Illinois Public Aid Commission

The seven-member Illinois Emergency Relief Commission (1932-1941) provided funds and supplies to destitute Illinois residents. The Illinois Public Aid Commission (1941-1943) assumed these duties; heard complaints against relief agencies; and developed work projects for relief recipients. Besides seven gubernatorial appointees, the commission included the Auditor of Public Accounts; State Treasurer; and the Department of Finance director .

Illinois Public Aid Commission (1943-1963) assumed Old Age Pension; Blind Assistance; and Aid to Dependent Children program administration, formerly supervised by the Department of Public Welfare. The Public Assistance Code of 1949 consolidated existing public assistance laws and empowered the commission with General Assistance program administration; dependency cause investigation; and cost of living adjustment. Control of Medically Indigent Aged; Assistance to Indigent Veterans; and Disability Assistance programs were given to the Commission before its responsibilities were transferred to the Department of Public Aid (1963).

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