In order to protect persons who are foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes and to reduce the risk of further harm, exploitation, and re-trafficking, beginning January 1, 2018, cash assistance provided under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program established under Article IV of this Code and benefits provided under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) shall be provided to such persons and their derivative family members to the same extent cash assistance and SNAP benefits are provided to individuals who are admitted to the United States as refugees under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code. To the extent that federal funding is not available, any cash assistance or SNAP benefits provided under this Article shall be paid from State funds. If changes made in this Section require federal approval, they shall not take effect until such approval has been received.
305 ILCS 5/16-1