SNAP Benefits in Illinois: How to Apply and Qualify
Learn if you qualify for SNAP in Illinois. Find income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply for and manage your benefits.
Rishi Ahuja
Updated on:
Dec 15, 2025
Published on:
Sep 30, 2025
SNAP Benefits in Illinois: How to Apply and Qualify
Learn if you qualify for SNAP in Illinois. Find income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply for and manage your benefits.
Rishi Ahuja
Updated on:
Dec 15, 2025
Published on:
Sep 30, 2025
SNAP Benefits in Illinois: How to Apply and Qualify
Learn if you qualify for SNAP in Illinois. Find income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply for and manage your benefits.
Rishi Ahuja
Updated on:
Dec 15, 2025
Published on:
Sep 30, 2025
SNAP Benefits in Illinois: How to Apply and Qualify
Learn if you qualify for SNAP in Illinois. Find income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply for and manage your benefits.
Rishi Ahuja
Updated on:
Dec 15, 2025
Published on:
Sep 30, 2025
SNAP Benefits in Illinois: How to Apply and Qualify
Learn if you qualify for SNAP in Illinois. Find income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply for and manage your benefits.
Rishi Ahuja
Updated on:
Dec 15, 2025
Published on:
Sep 30, 2025
SHARE
ON THIS PAGE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you're a low-income individual or family in Illinois, this program can help you buy healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Illinois
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Illinois and the amount you receive depend on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level, with the cap for most households set at 165% of that level.
Maximum benefit amounts are set each federal fiscal year by the USDA. The figures below reflect the current amounts that took effect on October 1, 2024. Future amounts for Illinois SNAP benefits 2026 will be updated closer to that time.
1 person: Gross monthly income limit of $2,071, maximum benefit of $292
2 people: Gross monthly income limit of $2,811, maximum benefit of $536
3 people: Gross monthly income limit of $3,551, maximum benefit of $768
4 people: Gross monthly income limit of $4,290, maximum benefit of $975
5 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,030, maximum benefit of $1,158
6 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,770, maximum benefit of $1,390
7 people: Gross monthly income limit of $6,510, maximum benefit of $1,536
8 people: Gross monthly income limit of $7,249, maximum benefit of $1,756
For each additional person in your household, the income limit increases by $740, and the maximum benefit goes up by $220.
Households with a member who is over 60 or has a disability may qualify with a higher income. For those specific figures and any updates, check the official Illinois SNAP page for the most current information.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Illinois
To determine your Illinois SNAP benefits eligibility, you'll need to meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household's gross income generally cannot exceed 200% of the federal poverty level, while net income must be at or below 100%.
Residency Requirements: You must live in the Illinois county where you are applying for assistance.
Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with a specific legal status, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain SNAP benefits eligibility for Illinois.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income and work requirements apply to seniors, people with disabilities, and students enrolled in higher education.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Applying for SNAP in Illinois is straightforward. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a paper form.
Online Application
The fastest way to apply is online through the state’s ABE portal. You can create an account, complete the application, and upload required documents from home, which helps speed up the process.
In-Person Application
You can apply in person at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Bring identification and any documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation to complete the process with a caseworker.
Application By Mail
To apply by mail, download the paper application from the Illinois Department of Human Services website. Mail the completed form to your local FCRC office for processing. This method may take longer.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Illinois
Application Help: For questions about your SNAP application or case, call the IDHS Customer Helpline at 1-800-843-6154.
Hours of Operation: The helpline is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.
See Illinois EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Once you're approved for SNAP, you can start using your benefits. Knowing what you can buy and where you can shop helps you use them effectively.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as the Illinois Link card. Think of it like a debit card. When you check out at an approved store, you just swipe your card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The cost of eligible food items is then automatically deducted from your SNAP account balance. It's a simple and secure way to use your benefits for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing essential food items for your household. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries that help you prepare meals at home, covering most of the basics you need for a healthy diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is strictly for food items, so your EBT card will not work for non-food products, vitamins, or items that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Live animals (with some exceptions)
Foods that are hot at the point of sale
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of them. This means knowing your balance, when benefits arrive, and how to stay enrolled.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, SNAP benefits are deposited on a fixed day each month based on the last digit of your case number. Knowing your deposit date helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
You can find your specific payment date in our Illinois deposit schedule.
See Illinois EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
Check your balance online via the state's Link Card website or with the Benny app. You can also call the number on your card, use an ATM, or look at your most recent store receipt.
Our guide covers each method on how to check your EBT balance.
Check Your Illinois EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In Illinois, you generally need to renew your SNAP benefits every 12 months. Households with only elderly or disabled members may have a 24-month period. The state will mail you a renewal notice before your deadline arrives.
You can recertify online, by mail, or in person. Be prepared to provide recent proof of income, rent or mortgage payments, and utility bills. You must also report any changes to your household.
Submitting your renewal on time prevents any interruption in your monthly benefits. If you miss the deadline, your case will close and you will have to reapply, which can cause a delay.
Special SNAP Services in Illinois
Illinois offers special SNAP services for urgent needs. These include expedited benefits for emergencies and assistance for households affected by disasters.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides benefits within seven days. You may qualify if your household has very low income and assets under official rules. Apply via the standard SNAP application and tell the worker you need expedited service for a faster interview and decision.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
After a federally declared disaster, D-SNAP helps you buy food. You may qualify if you lived in the disaster area and had related expenses. Apply during the announced window with proof of residence and disaster costs.
Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Destroyed in a Disaster
Current SNAP households can replace food lost in a disaster like a flood or power outage. You must report the loss to your local IDHS office by filing a form, typically within 10 days of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you're a low-income individual or family in Illinois, this program can help you buy healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Illinois
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Illinois and the amount you receive depend on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level, with the cap for most households set at 165% of that level.
Maximum benefit amounts are set each federal fiscal year by the USDA. The figures below reflect the current amounts that took effect on October 1, 2024. Future amounts for Illinois SNAP benefits 2026 will be updated closer to that time.
1 person: Gross monthly income limit of $2,071, maximum benefit of $292
2 people: Gross monthly income limit of $2,811, maximum benefit of $536
3 people: Gross monthly income limit of $3,551, maximum benefit of $768
4 people: Gross monthly income limit of $4,290, maximum benefit of $975
5 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,030, maximum benefit of $1,158
6 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,770, maximum benefit of $1,390
7 people: Gross monthly income limit of $6,510, maximum benefit of $1,536
8 people: Gross monthly income limit of $7,249, maximum benefit of $1,756
For each additional person in your household, the income limit increases by $740, and the maximum benefit goes up by $220.
Households with a member who is over 60 or has a disability may qualify with a higher income. For those specific figures and any updates, check the official Illinois SNAP page for the most current information.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Illinois
To determine your Illinois SNAP benefits eligibility, you'll need to meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household's gross income generally cannot exceed 200% of the federal poverty level, while net income must be at or below 100%.
Residency Requirements: You must live in the Illinois county where you are applying for assistance.
Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with a specific legal status, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain SNAP benefits eligibility for Illinois.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income and work requirements apply to seniors, people with disabilities, and students enrolled in higher education.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Applying for SNAP in Illinois is straightforward. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a paper form.
Online Application
The fastest way to apply is online through the state’s ABE portal. You can create an account, complete the application, and upload required documents from home, which helps speed up the process.
In-Person Application
You can apply in person at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Bring identification and any documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation to complete the process with a caseworker.
Application By Mail
To apply by mail, download the paper application from the Illinois Department of Human Services website. Mail the completed form to your local FCRC office for processing. This method may take longer.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Illinois
Application Help: For questions about your SNAP application or case, call the IDHS Customer Helpline at 1-800-843-6154.
Hours of Operation: The helpline is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.
See Illinois EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Once you're approved for SNAP, you can start using your benefits. Knowing what you can buy and where you can shop helps you use them effectively.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as the Illinois Link card. Think of it like a debit card. When you check out at an approved store, you just swipe your card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The cost of eligible food items is then automatically deducted from your SNAP account balance. It's a simple and secure way to use your benefits for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing essential food items for your household. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries that help you prepare meals at home, covering most of the basics you need for a healthy diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is strictly for food items, so your EBT card will not work for non-food products, vitamins, or items that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Live animals (with some exceptions)
Foods that are hot at the point of sale
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of them. This means knowing your balance, when benefits arrive, and how to stay enrolled.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, SNAP benefits are deposited on a fixed day each month based on the last digit of your case number. Knowing your deposit date helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
You can find your specific payment date in our Illinois deposit schedule.
See Illinois EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
Check your balance online via the state's Link Card website or with the Benny app. You can also call the number on your card, use an ATM, or look at your most recent store receipt.
Our guide covers each method on how to check your EBT balance.
Check Your Illinois EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In Illinois, you generally need to renew your SNAP benefits every 12 months. Households with only elderly or disabled members may have a 24-month period. The state will mail you a renewal notice before your deadline arrives.
You can recertify online, by mail, or in person. Be prepared to provide recent proof of income, rent or mortgage payments, and utility bills. You must also report any changes to your household.
Submitting your renewal on time prevents any interruption in your monthly benefits. If you miss the deadline, your case will close and you will have to reapply, which can cause a delay.
Special SNAP Services in Illinois
Illinois offers special SNAP services for urgent needs. These include expedited benefits for emergencies and assistance for households affected by disasters.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides benefits within seven days. You may qualify if your household has very low income and assets under official rules. Apply via the standard SNAP application and tell the worker you need expedited service for a faster interview and decision.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
After a federally declared disaster, D-SNAP helps you buy food. You may qualify if you lived in the disaster area and had related expenses. Apply during the announced window with proof of residence and disaster costs.
Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Destroyed in a Disaster
Current SNAP households can replace food lost in a disaster like a flood or power outage. You must report the loss to your local IDHS office by filing a form, typically within 10 days of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you're a low-income individual or family in Illinois, this program can help you buy healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Illinois
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Illinois and the amount you receive depend on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level, with the cap for most households set at 165% of that level.
Maximum benefit amounts are set each federal fiscal year by the USDA. The figures below reflect the current amounts that took effect on October 1, 2024. Future amounts for Illinois SNAP benefits 2026 will be updated closer to that time.
1 person: Gross monthly income limit of $2,071, maximum benefit of $292
2 people: Gross monthly income limit of $2,811, maximum benefit of $536
3 people: Gross monthly income limit of $3,551, maximum benefit of $768
4 people: Gross monthly income limit of $4,290, maximum benefit of $975
5 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,030, maximum benefit of $1,158
6 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,770, maximum benefit of $1,390
7 people: Gross monthly income limit of $6,510, maximum benefit of $1,536
8 people: Gross monthly income limit of $7,249, maximum benefit of $1,756
For each additional person in your household, the income limit increases by $740, and the maximum benefit goes up by $220.
Households with a member who is over 60 or has a disability may qualify with a higher income. For those specific figures and any updates, check the official Illinois SNAP page for the most current information.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Illinois
To determine your Illinois SNAP benefits eligibility, you'll need to meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household's gross income generally cannot exceed 200% of the federal poverty level, while net income must be at or below 100%.
Residency Requirements: You must live in the Illinois county where you are applying for assistance.
Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with a specific legal status, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain SNAP benefits eligibility for Illinois.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income and work requirements apply to seniors, people with disabilities, and students enrolled in higher education.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Applying for SNAP in Illinois is straightforward. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a paper form.
Online Application
The fastest way to apply is online through the state’s ABE portal. You can create an account, complete the application, and upload required documents from home, which helps speed up the process.
In-Person Application
You can apply in person at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Bring identification and any documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation to complete the process with a caseworker.
Application By Mail
To apply by mail, download the paper application from the Illinois Department of Human Services website. Mail the completed form to your local FCRC office for processing. This method may take longer.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Illinois
Application Help: For questions about your SNAP application or case, call the IDHS Customer Helpline at 1-800-843-6154.
Hours of Operation: The helpline is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.
See Illinois EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Once you're approved for SNAP, you can start using your benefits. Knowing what you can buy and where you can shop helps you use them effectively.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as the Illinois Link card. Think of it like a debit card. When you check out at an approved store, you just swipe your card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The cost of eligible food items is then automatically deducted from your SNAP account balance. It's a simple and secure way to use your benefits for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing essential food items for your household. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries that help you prepare meals at home, covering most of the basics you need for a healthy diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is strictly for food items, so your EBT card will not work for non-food products, vitamins, or items that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Live animals (with some exceptions)
Foods that are hot at the point of sale
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of them. This means knowing your balance, when benefits arrive, and how to stay enrolled.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, SNAP benefits are deposited on a fixed day each month based on the last digit of your case number. Knowing your deposit date helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
You can find your specific payment date in our Illinois deposit schedule.
See Illinois EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
Check your balance online via the state's Link Card website or with the Benny app. You can also call the number on your card, use an ATM, or look at your most recent store receipt.
Our guide covers each method on how to check your EBT balance.
Check Your Illinois EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In Illinois, you generally need to renew your SNAP benefits every 12 months. Households with only elderly or disabled members may have a 24-month period. The state will mail you a renewal notice before your deadline arrives.
You can recertify online, by mail, or in person. Be prepared to provide recent proof of income, rent or mortgage payments, and utility bills. You must also report any changes to your household.
Submitting your renewal on time prevents any interruption in your monthly benefits. If you miss the deadline, your case will close and you will have to reapply, which can cause a delay.
Special SNAP Services in Illinois
Illinois offers special SNAP services for urgent needs. These include expedited benefits for emergencies and assistance for households affected by disasters.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides benefits within seven days. You may qualify if your household has very low income and assets under official rules. Apply via the standard SNAP application and tell the worker you need expedited service for a faster interview and decision.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
After a federally declared disaster, D-SNAP helps you buy food. You may qualify if you lived in the disaster area and had related expenses. Apply during the announced window with proof of residence and disaster costs.
Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Destroyed in a Disaster
Current SNAP households can replace food lost in a disaster like a flood or power outage. You must report the loss to your local IDHS office by filing a form, typically within 10 days of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you're a low-income individual or family in Illinois, this program can help you buy healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Illinois
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Illinois and the amount you receive depend on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level, with the cap for most households set at 165% of that level.
Maximum benefit amounts are set each federal fiscal year by the USDA. The figures below reflect the current amounts that took effect on October 1, 2024. Future amounts for Illinois SNAP benefits 2026 will be updated closer to that time.
1 person: Gross monthly income limit of $2,071, maximum benefit of $292
2 people: Gross monthly income limit of $2,811, maximum benefit of $536
3 people: Gross monthly income limit of $3,551, maximum benefit of $768
4 people: Gross monthly income limit of $4,290, maximum benefit of $975
5 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,030, maximum benefit of $1,158
6 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,770, maximum benefit of $1,390
7 people: Gross monthly income limit of $6,510, maximum benefit of $1,536
8 people: Gross monthly income limit of $7,249, maximum benefit of $1,756
For each additional person in your household, the income limit increases by $740, and the maximum benefit goes up by $220.
Households with a member who is over 60 or has a disability may qualify with a higher income. For those specific figures and any updates, check the official Illinois SNAP page for the most current information.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Illinois
To determine your Illinois SNAP benefits eligibility, you'll need to meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household's gross income generally cannot exceed 200% of the federal poverty level, while net income must be at or below 100%.
Residency Requirements: You must live in the Illinois county where you are applying for assistance.
Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with a specific legal status, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain SNAP benefits eligibility for Illinois.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income and work requirements apply to seniors, people with disabilities, and students enrolled in higher education.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Applying for SNAP in Illinois is straightforward. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a paper form.
Online Application
The fastest way to apply is online through the state’s ABE portal. You can create an account, complete the application, and upload required documents from home, which helps speed up the process.
In-Person Application
You can apply in person at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Bring identification and any documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation to complete the process with a caseworker.
Application By Mail
To apply by mail, download the paper application from the Illinois Department of Human Services website. Mail the completed form to your local FCRC office for processing. This method may take longer.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Illinois
Application Help: For questions about your SNAP application or case, call the IDHS Customer Helpline at 1-800-843-6154.
Hours of Operation: The helpline is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.
See Illinois EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Once you're approved for SNAP, you can start using your benefits. Knowing what you can buy and where you can shop helps you use them effectively.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as the Illinois Link card. Think of it like a debit card. When you check out at an approved store, you just swipe your card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The cost of eligible food items is then automatically deducted from your SNAP account balance. It's a simple and secure way to use your benefits for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing essential food items for your household. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries that help you prepare meals at home, covering most of the basics you need for a healthy diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is strictly for food items, so your EBT card will not work for non-food products, vitamins, or items that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Live animals (with some exceptions)
Foods that are hot at the point of sale
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of them. This means knowing your balance, when benefits arrive, and how to stay enrolled.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, SNAP benefits are deposited on a fixed day each month based on the last digit of your case number. Knowing your deposit date helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
You can find your specific payment date in our Illinois deposit schedule.
See Illinois EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
Check your balance online via the state's Link Card website or with the Benny app. You can also call the number on your card, use an ATM, or look at your most recent store receipt.
Our guide covers each method on how to check your EBT balance.
Check Your Illinois EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In Illinois, you generally need to renew your SNAP benefits every 12 months. Households with only elderly or disabled members may have a 24-month period. The state will mail you a renewal notice before your deadline arrives.
You can recertify online, by mail, or in person. Be prepared to provide recent proof of income, rent or mortgage payments, and utility bills. You must also report any changes to your household.
Submitting your renewal on time prevents any interruption in your monthly benefits. If you miss the deadline, your case will close and you will have to reapply, which can cause a delay.
Special SNAP Services in Illinois
Illinois offers special SNAP services for urgent needs. These include expedited benefits for emergencies and assistance for households affected by disasters.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides benefits within seven days. You may qualify if your household has very low income and assets under official rules. Apply via the standard SNAP application and tell the worker you need expedited service for a faster interview and decision.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
After a federally declared disaster, D-SNAP helps you buy food. You may qualify if you lived in the disaster area and had related expenses. Apply during the announced window with proof of residence and disaster costs.
Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Destroyed in a Disaster
Current SNAP households can replace food lost in a disaster like a flood or power outage. You must report the loss to your local IDHS office by filing a form, typically within 10 days of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you're a low-income individual or family in Illinois, this program can help you buy healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Illinois
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Illinois and the amount you receive depend on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level, with the cap for most households set at 165% of that level.
Maximum benefit amounts are set each federal fiscal year by the USDA. The figures below reflect the current amounts that took effect on October 1, 2024. Future amounts for Illinois SNAP benefits 2026 will be updated closer to that time.
1 person: Gross monthly income limit of $2,071, maximum benefit of $292
2 people: Gross monthly income limit of $2,811, maximum benefit of $536
3 people: Gross monthly income limit of $3,551, maximum benefit of $768
4 people: Gross monthly income limit of $4,290, maximum benefit of $975
5 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,030, maximum benefit of $1,158
6 people: Gross monthly income limit of $5,770, maximum benefit of $1,390
7 people: Gross monthly income limit of $6,510, maximum benefit of $1,536
8 people: Gross monthly income limit of $7,249, maximum benefit of $1,756
For each additional person in your household, the income limit increases by $740, and the maximum benefit goes up by $220.
Households with a member who is over 60 or has a disability may qualify with a higher income. For those specific figures and any updates, check the official Illinois SNAP page for the most current information.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Illinois
To determine your Illinois SNAP benefits eligibility, you'll need to meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household's gross income generally cannot exceed 200% of the federal poverty level, while net income must be at or below 100%.
Residency Requirements: You must live in the Illinois county where you are applying for assistance.
Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with a specific legal status, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain SNAP benefits eligibility for Illinois.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income and work requirements apply to seniors, people with disabilities, and students enrolled in higher education.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Applying for SNAP in Illinois is straightforward. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a paper form.
Online Application
The fastest way to apply is online through the state’s ABE portal. You can create an account, complete the application, and upload required documents from home, which helps speed up the process.
In-Person Application
You can apply in person at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Bring identification and any documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation to complete the process with a caseworker.
Application By Mail
To apply by mail, download the paper application from the Illinois Department of Human Services website. Mail the completed form to your local FCRC office for processing. This method may take longer.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Illinois
Application Help: For questions about your SNAP application or case, call the IDHS Customer Helpline at 1-800-843-6154.
Hours of Operation: The helpline is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.
See Illinois EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Illinois
Once you're approved for SNAP, you can start using your benefits. Knowing what you can buy and where you can shop helps you use them effectively.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as the Illinois Link card. Think of it like a debit card. When you check out at an approved store, you just swipe your card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The cost of eligible food items is then automatically deducted from your SNAP account balance. It's a simple and secure way to use your benefits for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing essential food items for your household. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries that help you prepare meals at home, covering most of the basics you need for a healthy diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is strictly for food items, so your EBT card will not work for non-food products, vitamins, or items that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Live animals (with some exceptions)
Foods that are hot at the point of sale
Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of them. This means knowing your balance, when benefits arrive, and how to stay enrolled.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, SNAP benefits are deposited on a fixed day each month based on the last digit of your case number. Knowing your deposit date helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
You can find your specific payment date in our Illinois deposit schedule.
See Illinois EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
Check your balance online via the state's Link Card website or with the Benny app. You can also call the number on your card, use an ATM, or look at your most recent store receipt.
Our guide covers each method on how to check your EBT balance.
Check Your Illinois EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In Illinois, you generally need to renew your SNAP benefits every 12 months. Households with only elderly or disabled members may have a 24-month period. The state will mail you a renewal notice before your deadline arrives.
You can recertify online, by mail, or in person. Be prepared to provide recent proof of income, rent or mortgage payments, and utility bills. You must also report any changes to your household.
Submitting your renewal on time prevents any interruption in your monthly benefits. If you miss the deadline, your case will close and you will have to reapply, which can cause a delay.
Special SNAP Services in Illinois
Illinois offers special SNAP services for urgent needs. These include expedited benefits for emergencies and assistance for households affected by disasters.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides benefits within seven days. You may qualify if your household has very low income and assets under official rules. Apply via the standard SNAP application and tell the worker you need expedited service for a faster interview and decision.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
After a federally declared disaster, D-SNAP helps you buy food. You may qualify if you lived in the disaster area and had related expenses. Apply during the announced window with proof of residence and disaster costs.
Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Destroyed in a Disaster
Current SNAP households can replace food lost in a disaster like a flood or power outage. You must report the loss to your local IDHS office by filing a form, typically within 10 days of the event.
