Health & Benefits
Food stamps (SNAP or Link card)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, helps low-income people pay for food. Learn more here.
Common problems and their solutions (3 resources)
Explains eligibility rules and how to apply for SNAP benefits.
DIY Legal Solution
Explains what you can do if your SNAP application was denied and how to appeal the decision.
DIY Legal Solution
Explains what to do if your SNAP benefits were eliminated or reduced, including from Intentional Program Violations (IPV).
DIY Legal Solution
Learn your rights (1 resources)
Describes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("food stamps") and how and where to use a LINK card.
Guide
Frequently asked questions (33 resources)
Food stamps or SNAP benefits for college students
Legal Question
Explains work requirements for SNAP benefits.
Legal Question
Explains income requirements for SNAP benefits
Legal Question
Explains what are the reporting requirements to receive SNAP benefits.
Legal Question
Forms (3 resources)
Use this form to appeal a public benefits decision for cash assistance, medical assistance, SNAP or child care.
Form link
A program for legal aid and pro bono lawyers to estimate a household's food stamps (SNAP) benefits.
Easy Form
Use this form to tell the Illinois Department of Human Services that you no longer want to appeal a public benefits decision.
Form link
Other resources for the public (25 resources)
Explains that the income limit depends on the size of your family or SNAP unit.
Text article
An overview of the maximum SNAP benefits available. Use the SNAP calculator to predict how much you will receive in SNAP benefits if your application is approved.
Text article
Steps to apply for food stamps from a link to the online application to how long the process should take.
How-To
You may need to report any income or eligibility changes within 10 days.
Text article
Lawyer resources (15 resources)
This is a lawyer manual from Illinois Legal Aid Online providing information on SNAP. It covers the life cycle of SNAP from applying for SNAP benefits and who is eligible, to violations, disqualifications, and appeals.
Lawyer Manuals
Here is a step-by-step guide to linking your Manage My Case account on the Application for Benefits Eligibility website.
Video
A notice of decision is the Illinois Department of Human Services’ response to your application for benefits. Follow this step-by-step guide to find your notice of decision
Video
This is a lawyer manual from Illinois Legal Aid Online. It covers all aspects of SNAP.
Lawyer Manuals