Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eating healthy helps us stay active and independent as we get older. The Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families buy nutritious food and stretch their budget further.

If you're eligible and approved for SNAP benefits, you will get an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Illinois Link Card. It works like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Illinois to buy food. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

It’s worth checking Illinois SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.

Learn more and find out if you can get SNAP in Illinois by using the state's eligibility calculator (click here).

Frequently asked questions

• How does Illinois SNAP work?

• What is the SNAP application process like in Illinois?

• How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

• How do I apply for SNAP in Illinois?

• What happens after I apply for SNAP in Illinois?

• How can I get help with my application?

• Other important tips to know

How does Illinois SNAP work?

SNAP helps people pay for the food they need to stay healthy and age well. If you’re eligible, this benefit makes it easier to buy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. Illinois SNAP can free up money for other needs, like utility bills, medicines, and medical care.

This program is run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). IDHS offices across the state help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

What is the SNAP application process like in Illinois?

Applying for SNAP is easier than you might think. You don’t have to do it by yourself. A friend, family member, or IDHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Illinois SNAP:

• [Check your eligibility](https://fscalc.dhs.illinois.gov/FSCalc/): Use the IDHS online screening tool to see if you may be eligible for SNAP benefits.

• Fill out an application: You can apply for Illinois SNAP online, by mail or fax, or in person. It takes about 30 minutes. You don’t need any documents to start the application process and get a benefit start date.

• Have an interview: You must have a phone or in-person interview with an IDHS caseworker once your local office receives your application.

• Wait for a decision: Most Illinois SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food quickly, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.

• Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your Illinois Link Card in the mail.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

When you apply for SNAP in Illinois, you can include everyone in your home who shops for and prepares meals with you. This group is called your “household.” You may be able to get SNAP if you:

• All applicants must be a resident of Illinois.

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.

• Most adults must meet certain work requirements.

• The household must meet certain income and asset limits.

• All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

What are the SNAP work requirements in Illinois?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for these rules used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get SNAP benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local IDHS office to find out exactly what these new work rules mean for you.

How much SNAP can I get in Illinois?

The amount of money you will get in Illinois SNAP benefits depends on:

• How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security

• How many people live with you

If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more SNAP benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are the Illinois SNAP income limits? How do they affect my eligibility?

There are income guidelines to qualify for SNAP. In Illinois, most households can apply if their gross (total) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. There are special SNAP rules that give more flexibility to people who are age 60+ or have a disability. Because of this, many older adults are surprised they qualify for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

The income limits below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. If you’re not sure if you qualify, your county office can help. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (200% FPL)

1 $ 2,610

2 $ 3,526

3 $ 4,442

4 $ 5,360

5 $ 6,276

For each additional person, add: +$ 918

Source: We Got You Illinois - SNAP, October 2025

Some households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home).

How do I apply for SNAP in Illinois

• Get important documents ready

When you apply for Illinois SNAP, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather the following to make things easier:

• Full names and dates of birth for everyone applying for benefits

• Social Security numbers for everyone applying (if Social Security numbers are pending, provide the date of application)

• Address of where you live

• Information about all of the income everyone receives

• If someone applying for benefits is not a U.S. citizen, have the Non-Citizen Registration Numbers

• Amount of child or spousal support paid

• Housing and utility costs (e.g., rent, mortgage, gas, electric, phone)

• Amount paid for care of a child or an adult with a disability

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID

• Birth certificate

• Bank statements

• Pension statements

• Social Security statements

• Pay stubs

• Tax returns

• Social Security card

• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)

• Marriage license or divorce decree

• For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you want someone else (like a friend or family member) to help you gather the documents, complete your SNAP application, and join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative.

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in Illinois is through the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through ABE Portal

To apply online:

• Visit the ABE portal and click ‘Apply for Benefits.’

• If you have an ABE account, click ‘Login’ and enter your username and password.

• If you do not have an account, we recommend creating one by clicking ‘Login’ and then ‘Create an Account.’ This will allow you to save your progress and return at any time to complete your application and manage your benefits.

• Once you have logged in, check the box next to ‘Start a new application for Health care coverage, SNAP, Cash Assistance, and/or Medicare Savings Program’ and then click ‘Next.’

• Read through the information on the next screen and click ‘Next.’

• Follow the prompts to complete the online SNAP application. It should take you about 30 minutes.

Tips for success:

• Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait.

• If Spanish is your first language, you can click 'Español' at the top of the portal screen to switch the language to Spanish.

• For additional help, see the ABE User Guide, visit the IDHS online Customer Support Center, or call the IDHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (1-866-324-5553 TTY).

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you need a paper form. Below, you will find the Illinois benefits application you can download and print out at home:

• SNAP Application (English)

Once you have completed the SNAP application, you may take, mail, or fax it to the nearest IDHS office. Find a location near you.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Illinois SNAP benefits sooner (within 5 days from the date on your application) if you need food right away. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Your gross income and assets are less than your monthly rent or mortgage payment and the appropriate utility standard.

• Your assets are less than $100, and your monthly income for the month of application is less than $150.

• Your assets are less than $100, and at least one person applying is a migrant caseworker who does not expect to earn at least $25 in the next 10 days.

Need food today? Visit the Feeding Illinois website to find food banks and other resources in your area while you wait for your Illinois SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Illinois SNAP application. You can:

• Call the IDHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (1-866-324-5553 TTY).

• Request a call from a Benefits Outreach Specialist at the Greater Chicago Food Depository by completing this form or calling 1-773-247-3663 during normal business hours.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• If you live in the City of Chicago and need assistance with your SNAP application or would like more information regarding other food assistance programs, email aging@cityofchicago.org or call 312-744-4016.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Illinois?

It may take up to 30 days for IDHS to review your SNAP application. If you need fast help (expedited benefits), it may take about 5 days. If you are approved, your benefits can start as early as the day you applied.

After you apply, an IDHS case worker will contact you for an interview. This can be by phone or in person. Check your mail and answer your phone, even if the number is unknown. Be sure to keep your appointments. If you cannot make an appointment, call your case worker as soon as possible.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to stop you from getting benefits. It is just to double-check the information you already provided. Your case worker can tell you more about the program, answer questions, and help you get information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?

• What is your Social Security number?

• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)

• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)

• What is your monthly income?

• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?

• What other regular bills do you have?

Practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

After IDHS gets all your information and reviews your Illinois SNAP application, you will get a letter in the mail. The letter will say if you are approved or denied. If you are approved, the letter will show how much you will get each month and when your benefits start. If you are denied, the letter will explain why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Illinois SNAP, the letter you get will show your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. Most households get 12 months, but those with older adults and/or people with disabilities can get benefits for up to 24 months.

You will also get your Illinois Link Card in the mail. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits.

Other important tips to know

What if my Illinois SNAP application is denied?

If your application is denied and you don’t agree with the reason, you can appeal the decision and request a fair hearing. At your SNAP hearing, you can explain why you think your application should be approved.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

Visit the ABE portal to upload documents, view SNAP notices and details about your benefits, view and reschedule appointments, file and manage your appeals, and sign up for text alerts.

How do I manage my Illinois EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, you can register your card on the Illinois Link Card Website (ebtEDGE.com) or the mobile app ebtEDGE (available in the App Store). You can also call the number on the back of your Link Card: 1-800-678-5465.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

Changes in your situation must be reported to your IDHS caseworker within 10 days of the time you learn of the change. Examples of changes include:

• Change in household income

• Change in household size

• Change in address

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Illinois?

You must renew your Illinois SNAP every so often to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew.