Regular SNAP

• Illinois has two SNAP programs, a standard program and one for emergency situations. Unlike the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, both single people and families may qualify for SNAP. You must be a resident of Illinois and a citizen or legal resident of the United States. Legal residents must also have lived in the U.S. for a minimum of five years. Children are an exception to this rule, however. According to federal regulations, minor immigrant children are eligible for SNAP regardless of when they entered the country.
  
  

Emergency SNAP

• Illinois offers limited emergency SNAP benefits for people who have immediate need. Individuals and families who do not have the money for rent or mortgage plus the cost of utilities may qualify for emergency SNAP. You may also qualify if your monthly income is less than $150 and you have less than $100 in the bank, or if your cash and bank account balance is not more than $100 and at least one person in the household is a migrant farm worker. Emergency SNAP benefits are generally available within five days.
  
  

Income Limits

• The main requirement for SNAP in Illinois is income level. Your household cannot exceed a certain maximum monthly income level and still qualify for the program. The income levels are based on the current federal poverty guidelines, the size of your family and whether it contains any members who are disabled or aged 60 or over.
  
  

Benefits

• SNAP participants receive a set allotment every month. The amount depends on your monthly income and the size of your family. In 2011, the maximum SNAP benefit in Illinois for a family of three was $526 per month. Maximum benefits for a single person was $200. You can access your allotment by using the Illinois Link card. SNAP can be used to pay for food used for human consumption, such as dairy, vegetables, meat, cereals and fruit. You can also use it to buy seeds or plants which are grown for food. You cannot use SNAP for tobacco, alcohol, pet food, medicine, vitamins or food meant to eaten in the store.