Supplemental Diet Assistance Program - SNAP (x/01/2020)

What is the purpose of the Supplemental Diet Assist Plan (SNAP)?

Illinois Link CardThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health.

Benefits are provided on the Illinois Link Card - an electronic carte du jour that is accepted at most grocery stores. The plan is managed by the Food and Diet Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the program in Illinois.

Who can receive these services?

Almost households with low income can get SNAP benefits. The rules are circuitous, and then all of the details are non here. The about important factors which determine the amount of, and eligibility for, SNAP benefits are:

  • income and expenses;
  • the number of persons who live and eat together

Use the SNAP Eligibility Reckoner to give an estimate of possible benefits.  This is but an estimate.

Your application must exist reviewed by IDHS staff at the Family Community Resource Center.  If you apply for benefits and are eligible, you volition receive a notice of your eligibility.

Income

A household might be eligible to receive SNAP benefits if their monthly gross income does non exceed the gross income limits shown below.

  • SNAP Program Income and Benefit Amounts (English Version) - DHS 124
  • SNAP Programme Income and Do good Amounts (Spanish Version) - DHS 124S

Households without Disabled or Elderly Persons (age 60 or over) Maximum Monthly Income Commanded

Household Size i 2 3 iv 5 6 7 eight 9 10
Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) $i,755 $ii,371 $2,987 $3,603 $4,219 $iv,835 $v,451 $6,067 $six,683 $7,299

For household with more than x persons, add together $616 for each additional person.  (Updated 10/one/2020)

Historic period 60 & Over or Disabled Households Maximum Monthly Income Allowable

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 vii eight ix 10
Gross Monthly Income Limit (For those Historic period 60 or older OR Disabled)
(200% FPL)		 $two,127 $ii,873 $3,620 $4,367 $5,113 $5,860 $6,607 $7,353 $8,100 $viii,847

For each elderly and disabled household with more than 10 persons, add $747 for each additional person. (Updated 10/i/2020)

Who can't receive SNAP Benefits?

Federal rules say some people tin't become SNAP benefits regardless of the amount of their income.  For example, most boarders, certain non-citizens, most strikers, and people who alive in certain institutions.

How much does someone get each month?

The monthly SNAP Do good amount depends on the number of people in the "SNAP unit" and the monthly income available to meet needs after the caseworker subtracts the allowable deductions (such as rent and utilities) from gross income. The chart below shows the highest monthly benefit by household size. Depending on income, this amount could be less.

  • SNAP Program Income and Benefit Amounts (English Version) - DHS 124
  • SNAP Program Income and Benefit Amounts (Spanish Version) - DHS 124S

Are there more rules?

Aye. Here are some other rules to consider.

  • We expect people who can work to try and do and so.
  • Nosotros may ask for proof of certain information.
  • Changes in a person's state of affairs must be reported.
  • Eligibility is reviewed from time to time.

How are the services provided?

Benefits are provided on the Illinois Link Card - an electronic bill of fare that is accepted at most grocery stores. The program is managed by the Nutrient and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the plan in Illinois.

What services are offered?

SNAP benefits can be used to buy:

  • any food or food product for man consumption,
  • seeds and plants for use in abode gardens to produce food.

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

  • Hot foods gear up to eat,
  • Food intended to be heated in the store,
  • Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the shop,
  • Vitamins or medicines,
  • Pet foods,
  • Any nonfood items (except seeds and plants),
  • Alcoholic beverages,
  • Tobacco
  • Menstrual products and diapers. The USDA does not currently accept a waiver for states to let customers to purchase menstrual products or diapers with SNAP/WIC benefits.

* Services that you may participate in:

  • EarnFare - gain valuable work experience
  • SNAP Employment & Training Chore Placement - obtain employer-provided training
  • TANF Chore Placement - help in addressing barriers to employment
  • Child Intendance
  • Housing
  • Pregnancy & Parenting
  • Violence & Abuse Prevention

How to apply?

See Utilise for SNAP, Cash, or Medical Assistance to learn how to apply.

Emergency Benefits

Emergency SNAP Benefits are benefits that are ready in 5 days or less from the date you apply.

Report a Change of Information

If you receive SNAP benefits, run into the Change of Information: Address, Income or Assets page for instructions on what changes to report and how to study.

Publications

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) Spanish - DHS 124DS
  • Supplemental Diet Help Program (SNAP) - DHS 124D

More Data & Resource

  • SNAP Eligibility Calculator
  • SNAP Discrimination Notice
  • Become an Illinois Link Provider and have SNAP at your business.
  • The U.Due south. Department of Agriculture provides several resources to help people eat salubrious meals on a low budget including:
    • 10-Tips Nutrition Series
    • ChooseMyPlate.gov
    • Plan, Compare and Prepare
  • The USDA Recipe Box helps people find healthy low toll recipes and create cookbooks and shopping lists.

Other Programs

  • SNAP customers may qualify for help to help pay for installation of telephone service and monthly charges for local telephone service through the Lifeline and Link-Upwards Telephone Assist Programs.