My SNAP application was denied

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (also known as food stamps) helps eligible Illinois individuals and families buy food. The funds to buy the food are accessed on an electronic card called the Illinois Link Card.

It is important to note the deadlines for filing an appeal. For SNAP cases, the deadline is 90 days from the date on the notice or the DHS action in question. The deadline is shorter if you want to continue your benefits. You need to appeal before the date of the change or within 10 days of the date listed on the notice.

You should only appeal if you think there is a good reason the denial or reduction was wrong. Some examples of decisions you might want to appeal are: 

• You were denied benefits after filing an application;
• Your benefits were reduced or suspended;
• Your benefits were stopped or terminated;
• You were given the wrong amount of benefits;
• DHS staff refused to accept your application; or
• Your caseworker failed to do something on your case.

After you complete an application for SNAP, you may receive a notification your application was denied.