General SNAP overview Lawyer Manual

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income people pay for food. SNAP was formerly known as Food Stamps. It is a federal program administered by the states. Applications for SNAP benefits are made at local Department of Human Services (DHS) offices and certain other outreach locations. Applications can also be filed online and by phone.

The DHS Policy Manual provides the most detailed policies.  Be careful to look at provisions pertaining to your specific program.

SNAP benefits can be used to buy:

Foods for the household to eat, such as:

• breads and cereals;
• fruits and vegetables;
• meats, fish, and poultry; and
• dairy products.
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.

SNAP benefits also can also be used to pay for:

• meals-on-wheels,
• group community dining,
• meals at approved shelters, restaurants, treatment centers, and group living homes, and
• Food from certified farmers markets and farm stands.

Some markets and food stands participate in a Double Value Coupon Program which allows Link card users to receive twice the dollar value when purchasing approved foods. A list of farmers markets and farm stands that accept link benefits can be found here.

Restaurant Meals Program

The Restaurant Meals Program, 305 ILCS 5/12-4.13c, allows certain people to use their SNAP benefits at participating restaurants. This includes people who are "elderly or disabled" or "homeless" under 7 U.S. Code § 2012, as well as their spouses.

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

• Hot foods ready to eat (does not include the Restaurant Meals Program)
• Food intended to be heated in the store
• Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the store
• Vitamins or medicines

Any nonfood items, such as:

• pet foods
• soaps and paper products
• household supplies
• alcoholic beverages
• cigarettes or tobacco

See Intentional program violations (IPV) section more information if you have a client who is facing IPV for nonfood purchases.