The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income pay for food. Anyone who meets the program requirements can get SNAP benefits. The most important rules in figuring out SNAP eligibility are:

• Monthly income;
• Size of household; and
• Expenses. 

You do not have to work to get SNAP benefits. But, you are expected to try to find a job and work if you are able. Also, some people must participate in SNAP Employment and Training, or do the Earnfare Program if they are parents. You could lose your benefits if you are required to participate in a work or training program and you do not.

Go to the Illinois Department of Human Services' SNAP calculator to see if you might be eligible for SNAP benefits. The calculator will also give you an idea of how much you would receive.

If you are a legal immigrant, you might qualify for benefits. To learn more, see Am I eligible for SNAP if I am not a US citizen?

Many food banks across the state give out free meals and food.

Effective August 22, 2017, Illinois colleges must tell their students if they are eligible for SNAP benefits.

You cannot get SNAP benefits if:

• You are an undocumented immigrant;
• You are not a resident of Illinois or are not living in Illinois;
• You have been temporarily or permanently disqualified from receiving benefits because you broke the program’s rules;
• You are living in a hospital, jail, or another place where meals are provided;
• You are on strike and were not eligible on the day before the strike began;
• In the last 10 years, you were convicted of lying about who you are or where you live so that you could get SNAP;
• You are on the run from the law;
• You are in violation of your probation; or
• You have escaped from jail or prison.

Qualified members

Household units with at least one “qualifying member” are treated differently than others in determining eligibility and the amount of assistance provided. You are a qualified member of SNAP if you:

• Are 60 years old or over; or
• Receive benefits such as:
  • SSI;
  • SSDI;
  • Veteran's Benefits; or 
  • Some other state and/or federal disability payments.

Some qualifying members may be considered 2 separate SNAP units even though they purchase and make their food with the people they live with. Check with your local DHS office if you think this applies to you.