305 ILCS 5/4-1.6b

(a) The Department shall provide financial aid no more than 45 days after the date of application. (b) During the first 45 days after the date of application, the applicant shall undergo a thorough employability assessment, in accordance with subsection (d) of Section 9A-8 of this Code, and shall prepare a personal plan for achieving employment and self-sufficiency in accordance with Section 4-1 of this Code. The requirement to engage in work-related activity may commence 30 days after the date of application. (c) Financial aid under this Article shall be authorized effective 30 days after the date of application, provided that the applicant is eligible on that date.