Requirements for Food Stamp Aid in Illinois
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides money for groceries to low-income families and individuals. Eligibility for the program is based on both financial and non-financial criteria, which is mandated by the USDA Department of Food and Nutrition Services. If your household qualifies, you will receive an Illinois Link debit card, which you can use to purchase food at participating grocery stores and farmers' markets.
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Financial Requirements
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The Illinois Department of Human Services determines SNAP eligibility by checking the household's combined gross monthly income, any resources in the home, the household's combined monthly expenses, and the number of people eating together in the home. If any household member is over age 60 or disabled, the monthly income limits are higher. If you are unsure about your family's financial qualification, check the SNAP eligibility calculator, which is available online and provides a quick and easy pre-screener for the program. For a list of the income limits by family size and a link to the eligibility calculator, see Resources.
Non-Financial Requirements
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In addition to financial requirements, the Illinois DHS requires that applicants maintain employment or are registered for work prior to the application process. Applicants must also be residents of Illinois and U.S. citizens or legal aliens.
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Documentation
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In order to prove need, the Illinois DHS requires that you submit documentation of identity, residency, citizenship and financial status at the time of the application. Documentation includes a photo I.D., a letter or document that shows your household's home address, each household member's Social Security number and financial documentation of monthly income, resources and expenses, such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, bank statements and household bills.
Application Procedure
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You can submit your Illinois SNAP application online. If your application proves eligibility, you are required to have an in-person interview with a caseworker at your local DHS office. If you are unable to physically come to the interview, you may take a phone interview. For a link to the online SNAP application and a list of all Illinois DHS offices by county, see Resources.
Emergency Food Stamps
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If your family or household has less than $150 in resources and your monthly income is less than $100; one or more of your household is a migrant worker and your resources are less than $100; or your combined rent or mortgage plus utility costs exceed the amount of money in your bank account, you may be eligible for emergency food stamps. Available within five days of application, emergency food stamps require photo I.D. for distribution, and must be requested through your local DHS office. For a list of DHS offices by county, see Resources.
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