Illinois Food Stamp Program Federal Regulations
The Illinois food stamp program, recently changed to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides families facing economic hardship with the ability to continue buying food. Even a family of one can qualify for food stamps. Visit your local Social Services building or go to the Illinois Department of Human Services website to apply.
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Gross Income Limits
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Illinois uses the federal gross income guidelines to determine an applicant's eligibility for food stamps, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. Gross income is earnings without deductions. As of 2011, one person living alone can earn as much as $1,174 monthly to qualify. A family of five can earn $2,794, and a family of eight can earn $4,010.
Net Income Limits
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Net income, or income that has had deductions withheld, is also examined during determination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As of 2010, a single person living by himself can earn $903 monthly to qualify for benefits. A family of five can earn as high as $2,150, while a family of eight can earn as high as $3,085.
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Other Qualifications
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Certain people won't qualify for food stamps even if their financial situations are within limations, says the Illinois Department of Human Services. For example, illegal immigrants, certain people on strike, and most boarders won't qualify. The Department expects people who are capable of working to pursue finding a job, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture warns that a person receiving benefits should not quit a job.
Emergency Benefits
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The Illinois Department of Human Services makes provisions for people in extreme financial hardship. Qualifying situations include having no more than $100 in cash or in an account and earning less than $150 a month, or your current income is less than your monthly rent or mortgage and utilities. Benefits will be awarded in five days or less in these situations.
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References
- Photo Credit fresh vegetables image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
