Illinois residents receiving food stamps benefits, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), might have additional support coming their way. There’s a possibility that households may receive an emergency allotment of SNAP benefits for the month of March 2023. This means eligible families could get more money on their EBT cards to help cover grocery expenses. Keep an eye out for updates and official announcements from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for specific details and requirements.
Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through an EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Who is eligible for SNAP benefits in Illinois?
- Households with a gross monthly income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Households with a net monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Households with resources at or below certain limits
- Individuals and families who are unemployed, underemployed, or receiving certain types of public assistance
How do I apply for SNAP benefits in Illinois?
- You can apply for SNAP benefits online at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website or in person at your local IDHS office.
- You will need to provide proof of identity, income, and resources.
- The IDHS will determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits based on your information.
How much in SNAP benefits will I receive?
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive will depend on your household size and income. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of four is $835.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $992 |
| 6 | $1,127 |
| 7 | $1,254 |
| 8 | $1,381 |
How do I use my SNAP benefits?
- You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- To use your SNAP benefits, simply swipe your EBT card at the checkout counter.
- You can also use your SNAP benefits to purchase food online from certain retailers.
What foods can I buy with my SNAP benefits?
You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase most foods, including:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread
- Cereal
- Pasta
- Rice
- Beans
- Nuts
- Seeds
You cannot use your SNAP benefits to purchase alcohol, tobacco, pet food, or non-food items.
SNAP Emergency Allotments
Many people in Illinois rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, to help them put food on the table. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been providing additional SNAP benefits, known as emergency allotments, to help families struggling with food insecurity. However, these emergency allotments are set to end in February 2023.
What are Emergency Allotments?
- Temporary increase in SNAP benefits provided during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Intended to help households afford more food during times of economic hardship.
- Provided to all SNAP households, regardless of income or household size.
Emergency Allotment Amounts
| Household Size | Emergency Allotment Amount |
|---|---|
| 1-person household | $95 |
| 2-person household | $157 |
| 3-person household | $216 |
| 4-person household | $274 |
| 5-person household | $332 |
| 6-person household | $390 |
| 7-person household | $448 |
| 8-person household | $506 |
Ending of Emergency Allotments
- The federal government has announced that the emergency allotments will end in February 2023.
- This means that SNAP households will see a decrease in their benefits starting in March 2023.
- The amount of the decrease will vary depending on the household size.
What to Do if Your Benefits Decrease
- Contact your local SNAP office to see if you are eligible for other assistance programs.
- Look for community food pantries or soup kitchens where you can get free or low-cost food.
- Talk to your landlord or utility company about setting up a payment plan if you are struggling to pay your bills.
Additional Resources
Illinois P-EBT Program
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program was established by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide additional food assistance to families with children who receive free or reduced-price school meals. In Illinois, the P-EBT program is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
The P-EBT program provides monthly benefits to eligible families to help cover the cost of food. The amount of benefits a family receives is based on the number of children in the family and the number of days of school that the children were missed due to the pandemic. In Illinois, families with children who are eligible for free meals at school receive $375 per child per month. Families with children who are eligible for reduced-price meals receive $195 per child per month.
To be eligible for the P-EBT program in Illinois, a child must be enrolled in a public or private school that is participating in the National School Lunch Program and the child must have missed at least 10 days of school in a month due to the pandemic. Children who are enrolled in preschool or childcare programs that are participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) are also eligible for the P-EBT program.
Families who are eligible for the P-EBT program will receive a P-EBT card in the mail. The card can be used to purchase food at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts SNAP benefits. The P-EBT benefits can also be used to purchase food online from Amazon and Walmart.
For more information about the P-EBT program in Illinois, please visit the IDHS website or call the P-EBT hotline at 1-877-330-1359.
Benefits
- Provides additional food assistance to families with children who receive free or reduced-price school meals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Monthly benefits can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers that accept SNAP benefits.
Eligibility
- Children who are enrolled in a public or private school that is participating in the National School Lunch Program and have missed at least 10 days of school in a month due to the pandemic.
- Children who are enrolled in preschool or childcare programs that are participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Application Process
- Families who are eligible for the P-EBT program will automatically receive a P-EBT card in the mail.
- No application is required.
| Family Size | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $375 per month |
| 2 children | $750 per month |
| 3 children | $1,125 per month |
| 4 children | $1,500 per month |
| 5 children | $1,875 per month |
SNAP Verification Requirements
To receive food stamps, Illinois residents must meet certain citizenship and identity requirements and provide supporting documentation, including proof of income, assets, and household size. Those who qualify will receive a monthly payment that they can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Proof of Identity
- Social Security card
- State-issued ID
- Driver’s license
- Military ID
- American Indian Tribal Document
Proof of Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizen Status
- Birth Certificate
- Naturalization Certificate
- Permanent Resident Card
- Employment Authorization Document
Proof of Residency
- Utility bill
- Lease or rental agreement
- Property tax bill
- Mortgage statement
- Bank statement
- Mail from a government agency
Applicants must also provide proof of income from all sources, including employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support payments. Assets, such as checking and savings accounts, stocks, and bonds, must also be disclosed.
The asset limit for SNAP eligibility is $2,500 for individuals and $4,000 for households with two or more members. Vehicles and certain personal belongings are exempt from the asset limit.
Income Limits for SNAP Eligibility Household Size Gross Income Limit 1 $1,345 2 $1,793 3 $2,242 4 $2,690 5 $3,139 6 $3,587 Households must recertify their eligibility for SNAP benefits every 12 months. During the recertification process, they will need to provide updated information about their income, assets, and household size.
Hey folks, that’s all the information we have for you regarding the extra food stamp benefits in Illinois for this month. It’s been a pleasure sharing this with you, and I appreciate you taking the time to read. If you have any more questions or want to stay updated on future food stamp-related news, be sure to visit our website again. In the meantime, take care, and thanks for reading!