Do you qualify for SNAP Food Stamps?
In order to receive SNAP Food Stamps you need to apply, you can get started with how to apply on this website. You can also go to your local SNAP office to receive assistance with your application.
Determining your eligibility for this program will depend on many factors. These include your gross income, your resources and it will depend on the number of people in your household. Your residency and citizenship status will also determine qualification.
U.S. citizens are eligible, but many legal aliens qualify for SNAP Food Stamps too. Those members of a household that are eligible to receive benefits will not be affected by any members of your household that cannot receive benefits. If you would like additional information about immigrant SNAP eligibility please see this website.
Screening for SNAP Food Stamps
Some people would like to prescreen their eligibility prior to apply for SNAP benefits. There are a few ways to do this. Please note, pre-screening is NOT an application, you must separately apply to receive benefits. The USDA provides an online pre-screening tool to help determine if you are eligible for benefits. This tool will also give an estimate of the amount of benefit you may receive. You can access the USDA pre-screening tool here.
If you need assistance in using the USDA's pre-screening tool, a tutorial is available here.
Many states vary on food stamp eligibility criteria, and the only way to determine if you qualify is to find out your state's specific eligibility criteria. Please view the following 'Just the Facts' video about qualifying for SNAP Food Stamps.
Illinois Eligibility Requirements
In order to receive benefits through Illinois SNAP program youwill have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
Financial Requirements
Qualifying for Illinois SNAP benefits is mainly determined by a family's combined gross monthly income, any resources in the home, the household's combined monthly expenses, and the number of people eating together in the home.
A family may meet all the income requirements but not qualify for food stamps in the state of Illinois. Individuals on strike or capable of working but not actively seeking employment are not be approved to receive SNAP benefits. In addition, some immigrants, boarders and residents of various institutions may not qualify for food stamps.
Families who receive money for groceries through Illinois's SNAP program have to meet certain income requirements.
Maximum income levels depends on household sizes as listed below:
| Number of People in Your Household | Maximum Gross Monthly Income | Maximum Gross Monthly Income (Age 60 and Over or Disabled) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,005 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $2,712 | $3,286 |
| 3 | $3,419 | $4,142 |
| 4 | $4,125 | $4,998 |
| 5 | $4,832 | $5,854 |
| 6 | $5,539 | $6,710 |
| 7 | $6,246 | $7,566 |
| 8 | $6,952 | $8,422 |
| 9 | $7,659 | $9,278 |
| 10 | $8,366 | $10,134 |
| Each additional person add | $707 | $856 |
Non-financial Requirements
Immigrants may receive SNAP benefits if they've been any of the following for five or more years: a legal permanent resident, on parole, a conditional entrant or a VAWA self petitioner.
Refugees, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, United States veterans, service persons or one of their family members, or persons withheld from deportation qualify for Illinois SNAP benefits.