SNAP Applications Lawyer Manual

Individuals and SNAP units may apply for SNAP benefits in person, by telephone, or online.

Application forms are available and must be provided upon request, without an appointment, at any IDHS office. Persons can also call (800) 843-6154 and request that a SNAP application be sent to them by mail. They can then return the application by mail or by fax.

Applications are available online through the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE). The online application allows an applicant to submit a single application for multiple programs—SNAP, cash, and medical—as well as upload and submit verification documents. The application can then be tracked using a tracking number provided when the application is submitted.

Applications may be made by an authorized representative who has been designated by the applicant. If the applicant indicates on the application that an approved representative is applying on his or her behalf, the applicant will be directed to supply more information about their approved representative and will then provide an electronic signature.

Note: approved representatives receive copies of all correspondence related to the person's application and case and must continue to represent the individual until that status is revoked. Approved representatives are also bound by federal and state law regarding conflict of interest and privacy and confidentiality of applicant information.

Applicants have the right to file their applications the day they first contact the DHS office. A partially complete application (name, address, and signature of an adult member of the SNAP unit) is sufficient, both online and in-person, to trigger the deadlines for processing, but benefits cannot be approved until the application is completed in its entirety.

Please note that when an individual submits a SNAP application, Illinois requires that the department assess their eligibility for multiple benefits unless the individual affirmatively and in writing declines to apply for other benefits.  The other benefits include Medicaid, the Medicare savings program, TANF, and AABD cash.  The department's failure to properly assess eligibility for all programs is an appealable inaction.  305 ILCS 5/11-4

Verification

After an application is filed, intake staff will set-up an intake interview and ask the applicant to bring in several items, including proof of income and expenses, to verify the units eligibility for SNAP benefits. If the original application is submitted online, verification can be, but is not required to be, submitted via ABE. If, without good cause, the applicant does not return the information within the time frame required, the application may be denied. DHS staff must assist applicants in obtaining verification (but note they often do not). Applicants can also request additional time to obtain verifications.

Time limit

DHS has 30 days from the date an application is filed to approve or deny the application. If the application is approved, benefits must be available on the 30th day after application. The intake interview should be scheduled within 14 days of the application filing date. Interviews will either be in-person or over-the-phone. Applicants can indicate their interview preference, in-person or over-the-phone on their initial application. For expedited SNAP benefits, see below.

Expedited SNAP benefits

All SNAP applications must be screened by DHS to determine whether the applicant qualifies for expedited benefit processing. Expedited benefits must be available within 7 calendar days. A SNAP unit that qualifies for expedited processing should be given a Link card at the DHS Office

A SNAP unit is eligible for expedited service when:

• The SNAP unit has $100 or less in liquid assets (cash, bank accounts, etc), and $150 or less in gross monthly income; or
• The SNAP unit's monthly gross nonexempt income and liquid resources combined is less than the unit's monthly rent or mortgage payment and applicable utility standard; or
• The SNAP unit has liquid assets of $100 or less, and at least one person in the SNAP unit is a migrant farm worker who is "out of funds" (the unit is anticipating no more than $25 of income in the 10-days following the date of application not counting wage advances for travel costs to get to a new job)..

The intake interview for persons who may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits must be scheduled the day of application or the following workday.