What is the purpose of the Food Stamp Program?
The Food Stamp Program helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. You apply for benefits by completing an application form. Benefits are provided on the Link Card -- an electronic card that is accepted at most grocery
stores. The program is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the program in Illinois.
Who can receive these services?
Most households with low income can get food stamp benefits. The rules are complex, so all of the details are not here. The most important factors which determine the amount of, and eligibility for, food stamp benefits are:
- income and expenses;
- the number of persons who live and eat together; and
- the amount of available liquid assets, such as money in checking and savings accounts.
Use the Food Stamp Eligibility Calculator to give an estimate of possible benefits. This is only an estimate. Your application must be reviewed by DHS staff at the
Family Community Resource Center. If you are eligible, you will receive a notice of your eligibility.
Income
A household might be eligible to receive food stamps if their monthly income does not exceed the gross income limits shown below.
| Household Size |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
| Gross Income Limit |
$1,107 |
$1,484 |
$1,861 |
$2,238 |
$2,615 |
$2,992 |
$3,369 |
$3,746 |
$4,123 |
$4,500 |
For households with more than 10 persons, add $377 for each additional person.
Resources
Most households are not eligible if they have resources greater than $2,000 ($3,000 if someone is age 60 or older.) Some things people often have, such as their home, jewelry, and other personal items, don't count.
Who can't receive Food Stamps?
Federal rules say some people can't get food stamps regardless of the amount of their income and resources. For example, most boarders, certain non-citizens, most strikers, and people who live in certain institutions.
How much does someone get each month?
The monthly food stamp amount depends on the number of people in the "food stamp unit" and the monthly income available to meet needs after the caseworker subtracts the allowable deductions (such as rent and utilities) from gross
income. The chart below shows the highest monthly benefit by household size. Depending on income, this amount could be less.
| Unit Size |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
| Maximum Benefit |
$162 |
$298 |
$426 |
$542 |
$643 |
$772 |
$853 |
$975 |
$1,097 |
$1,219 |
For households with more than 10 persons, add $122 for each additional person.
Are there more rules?
Yes. For example,
- if someone meets certain rules for emergency situations, we determine eligibility for food stamps sooner than the regular application process.
- We expect people who can work to try and do so.
- We may ask for proof of certain information.
- Changes in a person's situation must be reported and eligibility is reviewed from time to time.
- There are also other rules.
How are the services provided?
Benefits are provided through The Illinois Link System. You can use the card to pay for products received.
What services are offered?
Food stamp benefits can be used to buy:
- any food or food product for human consumption,
- plus seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food.
Food stamp benefits cannot be used to buy:
- Hot foods ready to eat,
- Food intended to be heated in the store,
- Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the store,
- Vitamins or medicines,
- Pet foods,
- Any nonfood items (except seeds and plants),
- Alcoholic beverages, or
- Tobacco.
How to apply?
You can apply two ways: by paper application or in person at your local Family Community Resource Center. An online application process is being developed and will be available soon.
Apply Using a Paper Application
Apply at Your local Family Community Resource Center
Applications are taken at DHS local offices. Use the DHS Office Locator to contact the Family Community Resource Center where you live to apply for the Food Stamp Program.
Emergency Benefits
Emergency Food Stamps are Food Stamp benefits that are ready in 5 days or less from the date you apply.
More Information & Resources
