Supplemental Diet Assistance Program - SNAP (10/01/2020)

What is the purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP)?

Illinois Link CardThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (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 that is accepted at most grocery stores. The program is managed by the Nutrient and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the Usa Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the program in Illinois.

Who tin can receive these services?

Well-nigh households with low income tin become SNAP benefits. The rules are complex, so all of the details are not here. The most important factors which determine the corporeality of, and eligibility for, SNAP benefits are:

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

Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to give an estimate of possible benefits.  This is only an estimate.

Your application must be reviewed past IDHS staff at the Family Community Resources Center.  If you utilize for benefits and are eligible, y'all volition receive a find of your eligibility.

Income

A household might be eligible to receive SNAP benefits if their monthly gross income does not exceed the gross income limits shown below.

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

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

Household Size i 2 3 4 5 half-dozen 7 8 9 10
Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) $1,755 $2,371 $2,987 $3,603 $iv,219 $4,835 $5,451 $half dozen,067 $half-dozen,683 $7,299

For household with more 10 persons, add $616 for each additional person.  (Updated 10/1/2020)

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

Household Size 1 two 3 4 v 6 7 8 9 10
Gross Monthly Income Limit (For those Historic period 60 or older OR Disabled)
(200% FPL)		 $two,127 $2,873 $3,620 $iv,367 $5,113 $five,860 $vi,607 $7,353 $eight,100 $8,847

For each elderly and disabled household with more than than x persons, add $747 for each additional person. (Updated 10/1/2020)

Who can't receive SNAP Benefits?

Federal rules say some people can't get SNAP benefits regardless of the amount of their income.  For instance, nigh boarders, certain non-citizens, about strikers, and people who alive in certain institutions.

How much does someone get each month?

The monthly SNAP Benefit amount depends on the number of people in the "SNAP unit" and the monthly income available to encounter needs later on the caseworker subtracts the allowable deductions (such equally rent and utilities) from gross income. The chart below shows the highest monthly benefit by household size. Depending on income, this amount could exist less.

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

Are there more rules?

Yes. Here are another rules to consider.

  • We expect people who tin piece of work to try and do so.
  • We may enquire for proof of sure information.
  • Changes in a person's situation 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 card that is accepted at most grocery stores. The plan is managed past the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Man Services administers the program in Illinois.

What services are offered?

SNAP benefits tin can exist used to buy:

  • whatever food or food product for human consumption,
  • seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce nutrient.

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

  • Hot foods ready to eat,
  • Food intended to be heated in the store,
  • Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the store,
  • Vitamins or medicines,
  • Pet foods,
  • Whatever nonfood items (except seeds and plants),
  • Alcoholic beverages,
  • Tobacco
  • Menstrual products and diapers. The USDA does non currently accept a waiver for states to permit customers to buy menstrual products or diapers with SNAP/WIC benefits.

* Services that you lot may participate in:

  • EarnFare - gain valuable work feel
  • SNAP Employment & Preparation Job Placement - obtain employer-provided preparation
  • TANF Job Placement - help in addressing barriers to employment
  • Child Care
  • Housing
  • Pregnancy & Parenting
  • Violence & Abuse Prevention

How to utilise?

See Apply for SNAP, Cash, or Medical Assistance to learn how to utilize.

Emergency Benefits

Emergency SNAP Benefits are benefits that are gear up in five days or less from the engagement y'all apply.

Report a Change of Data

If you receive SNAP benefits, meet the Modify of Information: Address, Income or Assets folio for instructions on what changes to report and how to report.

Publications

  • Supplemental Diet Assist Program (SNAP) Castilian - DHS 124DS
  • Supplemental Diet Help Programme (SNAP) - DHS 124D

More Information & Resources

  • SNAP Eligibility Calculator
  • SNAP Bigotry Notice
  • Go an Illinois Link Provider and accept SNAP at your business.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides several resources to help people eat good for you meals on a low budget including:
    • 10-Tips Nutrition Series
    • ChooseMyPlate.gov
    • Plan, Compare and Gear up
  • The USDA Recipe Box helps people find healthy low cost recipes and create cookbooks and shopping lists.

Other Programs

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