Health & Benefits

You can use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy food. The money comes from the federal government, but in Illinois, the SNAP program is run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS).

Every month, your SNAP benefits are automatically put on a Link card. Your Link card can be used to buy food at approved locations. There are different rules if there is an elderly or disabled member of your household.

Who can get SNAP benefits?

Most low-income households can get SNAP benefits, even if household members are working. You have to meet certain income requirements and other eligibility rules. The key factors that determine if you are eligible for SNAP are:

• Your income and expenses, and
• The number of people who buy and eat food together in your home, also called your “benefits unit."

There are some people who can’t get SNAP benefits. For example, certain non-citizens cannot get SNAP benefits. Learn more about SNAP eligibility for non-citizens.

Eligibility is reviewed from time to time, so there are some other rules you will want to know about so you can stay eligible. You must report changes that could impact your SNAP eligibility or the amount of SNAP benefits you receive, such as getting or losing a job or if a household member leaves. Changes must be reported within 10 days. DHS may ask for proof of certain information.

As of February 2024, Illinois does not require adults receiving SNAP to look for work unless they are also receiving TANF cash. But, working may be required in the future in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits.

The eligibility rules for SNAP are complicated. If you’re not sure if you will qualify, you can apply and see. Learn more about SNAP eligibility.

What SNAP can be used for

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,
• Dairy products, 
• Other foods, such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages, and
• Seeds and plants that 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 will give you twice the value of your benefits.

Restaurant Meals Program

The Restaurant Meals Program allows certain people to use their SNAP benefits at restaurants. This includes people who:

• Are 60 years old or over (and their spouses),
• Have a disability (and their spouses), or
• Are homeless.

What SNAP cannot be used for

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

• Hot foods that are ready to eat,
• Food intended to be heated in the store,
• Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the store,
• Vitamins, medicines, or supplements,
• Nonfood items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, cosmetics, soaps, paper products, and other household supplies,
• Live animals, except for shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store, 
• Alcoholic beverages, or
• Cigarettes or tobacco.

It is illegal to sell your Link card or allow others to use your card in return for cash. Doing this can cause you to lose your SNAP benefits and potentially face criminal charges.