While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Illinois SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Learn more about SNAP on the Illinois Department of Human Services website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| Each additional household member | +219 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Illinois, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Illinois’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Illinois Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
You can also use the Illinois SNAP Eligibility Calculator here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Illinois Application For Benefits Eligibility (ABE) here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Illinois Family Community Resource Center location.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local Family Community Resource Center. You can locate your nearest office here.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local Family Community Resource Center. You can locate your nearest office here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1 (800) 843-6154.
If you need an application in Spanish, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days to process an Illinois SNAP application. After applying for SNAP online, by phone, by mail or by fax, you will be asked to visit your local Family Community Resource Center for an interview or be asked to participate in an interview by phone with your assigned caseworker.
You will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Department of Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your caseworker will notify you.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Illinois Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail, by email, by fax, or over the phone within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit your Family Community Resource Center. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete the Appeal Request Form, found here, and mail it to:
Bureau of Hearings
69 W. Washington, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
You may also email the completed Appeal Request Form to DHS.BAH@illinois.gov or fax it to 1 (312) 793-3387. Alternatively, you can request an appeal by calling 1 (800) 435-0775.
For more information on the appeal process, read the Illinois Department of Human Services Appeals & Fair Hearings brochure here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Illinois Department of Human Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (800) 843-6154 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Illinois’s EBT customer service number at 1 (800) 678-5465 or request a replacement online here.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Family Community Resource Center in Illinois.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Illinois Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
You can also use the Illinois SNAP Eligibility Calculator here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Illinois Application For Benefits Eligibility (ABE) here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Illinois Family Community Resource Center location.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local Family Community Resource Center. You can locate your nearest office here.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local Family Community Resource Center. You can locate your nearest office here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1 (800) 843-6154.
If you need an application in Spanish, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days to process an Illinois SNAP application. After applying for SNAP online, by phone, by mail or by fax, you will be asked to visit your local Family Community Resource Center for an interview or be asked to participate in an interview by phone with your assigned caseworker.
You will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Department of Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, your caseworker will notify you.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Illinois Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail, by email, by fax, or over the phone within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit your Family Community Resource Center. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to complete the Appeal Request Form, found here, and mail it to:
Bureau of Hearings
69 W. Washington, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
You may also email the completed Appeal Request Form to DHS.BAH@illinois.gov or fax it to 1 (312) 793-3387. Alternatively, you can request an appeal by calling 1 (800) 435-0775.
For more information on the appeal process, read the Illinois Department of Human Services Appeals & Fair Hearings brochure here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Illinois Department of Human Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (800) 843-6154 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Illinois’s EBT customer service number at 1 (800) 678-5465 or request a replacement online here.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Family Community Resource Center in Illinois.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) at 1 (800) 843-6154.
You can also visit or call a local Family Community Resource Center. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024