State of Illinois Food Stamp Benefit Guidelines
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for low-income individuals and families helps end hunger and improves the nutrition and health by allowing families to buy food needed for a nutritionally adequate diet. The program, also known as the Food Stamp Program, is run by The Department of Human Services (DHS) in Illinois. The eligibility rules for the SNAP program are complex and only the local DHS office can tell, after a thorough review of your case, if you are eligible or not.
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General Program Requirements
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To qualify for the SNAP program, you must be a resident of Illinois and meet certain income and asset requirements. As of 2010, you must either have a bank balance of less than $2,001 or have a bank balance of less than $3,001 and have a person above the age of 60, or with a disability, living in your household. Income requirements are dependent on family size.
Income Requirements
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To be eligible for SNAP, the monthly household income can not exceed certain thresholds, which depend on the size of the household. As of 2010, the gross monthly income limit is $1,174 for a household of one; $1,579 for two; $1,984 for three; $2,389 for four; $2,794 for five; $3,200 for six; $3,605 for seven; and $4,010 for eight. Add $406 for every additional member for households over eight. If you have a person above 60 years of age or a disabled person living in your household, the income limits are slightly higher: $1,805 for a household of one; $2,428 for two; $3,052 for three; $3,675 for four; $4,298 for five; and $4,922 for a household of six. Add $623 for each additional person in the household over six.
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Exceptions
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While most low-income households can qualify for SNAP benefits, some exceptions include those who have been disqualified for intentional program violation, people living in institutions such as jails or hospitals where meals are provided, people on strike, people convicted for drug felony and illegal immigrants.
Eligible Items
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The SNAP benefits can be used to buy any food or food products. You can also buy certain seeds and plants that can be used to grow food in your home garden.
Ineligible Items
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The SNAP benefits cannot be used for pre-cooked meals, medicines, pet food, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and other nonfood items.
Distrubution of Benefits
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The benefits are provided through the Illinois Link System, which is debit-like card. The card is loaded with cash on the first of every month and can be used at most grocery stores to buy food. You have to show a valid ID in order to make payments using the Link Card.
Emergency Benefits
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In certain cases, SNAP benefits can be ready in five days or less. The emergency benefits apply only if your bank balance or income is so low that it may become difficult to sustain the individual or the family even for the next few days. In 2010, you can receive emergency SNAP benefits if the total of your monthly income, cash and bank balance is less than your rent/mortgage plus utilities or your monthly income is less than $150 and your bank balance is less than $100. If you qualify for SNAP benefits, you must have valid photo identification to expedite your application.
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References
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