Health & Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income pay for food. Anyone who meets the program requirements can get SNAP benefits. The most important rules in figuring out SNAP eligibility are:

• Monthly income,
• Size of household, and
• Expenses. 

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

Go to the Illinois Department of Human Services' SNAP calculator to see if you might be eligible for SNAP benefits. The calculator will also give you an idea of how much you would receive.

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. 

You cannot get SNAP benefits if:

• You are not a resident of Illinois or are not living in Illinois,
• You have been temporarily or permanently disqualified from receiving benefits because you broke the program’s rules,
• You are living in a hospital, jail, or another place where meals are provided,
• You are on strike and were not eligible on the day before the strike began,
• In the last 10 years, you were convicted of lying about who you are or where you live so that you could get SNAP,
• You are on the run from the law,
• You are in violation of your probation, or
• You have escaped from jail or prison.

Qualified members

Household units with at least one “qualifying member” are treated differently than others in determining eligibility and the amount of assistance provided. A "qualifying member" is someone who:

• Is 60 years old or over, or
• Receives benefits such as:
  • SSI,
  • SSDI,
  • Veteran's Benefits, or 
  • Some other state and/or federal disability payments.

Some qualifying members may be considered 2 separate SNAP units even though they purchase and make their food with the people they live with. Check with your local DHS office if you think this applies to you.

Other food resources

If you need food, you can also look for food banks across the state that give out free meals and food.