Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP

What is the purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Help Program (SNAP)?

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

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

Who tin receive these services?

Most households with low income can get SNAP benefits. The rules are circuitous, so all of the details are not here. The nigh important factors which make up one's mind the corporeality of, and eligibility for, SNAP benefits are:

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

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

Your awarding must be reviewed past IDHS staff at the Family Community Resource Center.  If you utilize for benefits and are eligible, you will receive a detect 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 Programme Income and Do good Amounts (English language Version) - DHS 124
  • SNAP Plan Income and Do good Amounts (Spanish Version) - DHS 124S

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

Household Size 1 2 iii 4 v 6 7 8 9 10
Gross Monthly Income Limit (165% FPL) $i,755 $2,371 $two,987 $3,603 $4,219 $4,835 $v,451 $half-dozen,067 $6,683 $vii,299

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

Age 60 & Over or Disabled Households Maximum Monthly Income Allowable

Household Size 1 2 3 4 v half-dozen 7 viii 9 10
Gross Monthly Income Limit (For those Age 60 or older OR Disabled)
(200% FPL)		 $2,127 $two,873 $iii,620 $four,367 $5,113 $5,860 $6,607 $7,353 $8,100 $8,847

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

Who can't receive SNAP Benefits?

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

How much does someone get each calendar month?

The monthly SNAP Benefit amount depends on the number of people in the "SNAP unit" and the monthly income available to meet needs afterward the caseworker subtracts the commanded deductions (such equally hire and utilities) from gross income. The chart beneath shows the highest monthly benefit by household size. Depending on income, this amount could be less.

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

Are there more rules?

Yes. Here are some other rules to consider.

  • We expect people who can work to try and do then.
  • We may enquire for proof of sure data.
  • 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 Menu - an electronic carte du jour that is accepted at most grocery stores. The program is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the Usa Department of Agriculture. The Department of Homo Services administers the program in Illinois.

What services are offered?

SNAP benefits tin can be used to buy:

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

SNAP benefits cannot exist used to buy:

  • Hot foods ready to eat,
  • Food intended to be heated in the shop,
  • Dejeuner counter items or foods to exist 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 not currently take a waiver for states to allow customers to buy menstrual products or diapers with SNAP/WIC benefits.

* Services that yous may participate in:

  • EarnFare - gain valuable work feel
  • SNAP Employment & Preparation Chore Placement - obtain employer-provided training
  • TANF Chore Placement - assist in addressing barriers to employment
  • Child Care
  • Housing
  • Pregnancy & Parenting
  • Violence & Corruption Prevention

How to apply?

Run across Apply 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 engagement y'all apply.

Written report a Change of Data

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

Publications

  • Supplemental Diet Assistance Program (SNAP) Spanish - DHS 124DS
  • Supplemental Diet Assist Plan (SNAP) - DHS 124D

More Information & Resource

  • SNAP Eligibility Calculator
  • SNAP Bigotry Notice
  • Get an Illinois Link Provider and accept SNAP at your business.
  • The U.S. Section of Agriculture provides several resources to help people eat healthy meals on a depression upkeep including:
    • 10-Tips Diet Series
    • ChooseMyPlate.gov
    • Program, Compare and Gear up
  • The USDA Recipe Box helps people find healthy depression price recipes and create cookbooks and shopping lists.

Other Programs

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