The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois, also known as the Food Stamp Program, provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase nutritious food, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote access to healthy meals. Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as the Illinois Link Card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
This guide outlines the 2025 eligibility criteria, income limits, benefit amounts, and application process for Illinois SNAP, based on federal and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) guidelines.
Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator on the Illinois ABE portal to estimate your benefits, assuming you meet Illinois’ eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Illinois SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP in Illinois, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines or meet categorical eligibility through programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Household Size: Determined by individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, asylees, or children under 18).
- Residency: Must reside in Illinois.
- Work Requirements: Certain adults (able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs) must meet work obligations unless exempt.
- Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits due to Illinois’ broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Households with elderly or disabled members exceeding specific income thresholds may face asset limits.
Households receiving TANF, SSI, or other means-tested benefits are often categorically eligible, meaning they automatically qualify for SNAP without meeting standard income or asset tests, provided their net income is low enough. Contact the Illinois IDHS at (800) 843-6154 for detailed guidance.
Illinois SNAP Income Guidelines (2025)
Eligibility is based on gross income (pre-tax) and net income (after allowable deductions). The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), are as follows:
Gross Income Limit (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Illinois uses a higher gross income limit (165% FPL) for most households due to BBCE, making it easier to qualify:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households where all members are 60+ or disabled use the same 165% FPL limit, but may qualify with higher net income after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,439 |
| 2 | $1,946 |
| 3 | $2,453 |
| 4 | $2,960 |
| 5 | $3,467 |
| 6 | $3,974 |
| 7 | $4,481 |
| 8 | $4,988 |
| Each Add’l | +$507 |
Note: Households receiving TANF or SSI are categorically eligible and may not need to meet these income limits, but their net income must be low enough to receive benefits. Illinois’ BBCE allows most households to qualify with higher incomes (up to 165% FPL) and no asset test.
Income Sources
Countable income includes:
- Earned: Wages, self-employment earnings (before taxes, with allowable business expenses deducted).
- Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.
Exempt income may include certain educational grants or loans used for tuition and fees.
Asset Rules for Illinois SNAP
Due to Illinois’ adoption of broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), most households are not subject to asset limits. For households with elderly (60+) or disabled members exceeding the 165% FPL gross income limit, the asset cap is $4,500. Countable assets include:
- Liquid resources (e.g., cash, bank accounts)
- Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
- Stocks, bonds, money market funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
- Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401k plans)
- Vehicles (Illinois excludes all vehicles used for household transportation)
Households that are categorically eligible (e.g., receiving TANF or SSI) are exempt from asset limits.
Defining a SNAP Household
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with parents
- Individuals living together but purchasing and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households.
Disabled or elderly individuals (60+) unable to prepare meals due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the FPL (e.g., $2,375/month for one person).
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., Illinois’ SNAP Employment and Training Program).
Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period. Exemptions include:
- Under 18 or over 52
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent child
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Receiving disability-related benefits (e.g., SSI, Social Security disability)
All non-exempt adults aged 16–59 must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter.
Deductions to Improve Eligibility
Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:
- Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $291 (6+)
- Earned Income: 20% deduction
- Dependent Care: Costs for child or dependent care needed for work or school
- Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled (unreimbursed costs only; standard deduction of $136 available without full verification)
- Shelter Costs: Rent/mortgage and utilities, up to $712 (no cap for households with elderly/disabled members)
- Standard Utility Allowance: Varies (e.g., $374 for heating/cooling, updated annually)
- Homeless Deduction: Up to $190.30
- Court-Ordered Child Support: Payments made to non-household members
Illinois SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
Maximum monthly allotments by household size (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):
| Household Size | Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,755 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Benefits are calculated by multiplying net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting the result from the maximum allotment for the household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit. A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has been applied for 2025 to account for rising food prices.
Applying for SNAP in Illinois
Apply through the following methods:
- Online: Illinois ABE portal
- In-Person: Visit a local IDHS Family Community Resource Center (FCRC)
- Mail: Download, complete, and mail the application (Form IL444-0001) from the IDHS website to an FCRC
- Fax: Fax the completed application to an FCRC (check local office for fax number)
- Phone: Call (800) 843-6154 for assistance
An interview (phone or in-person) is required to finalize the application. Households with urgent needs (e.g., less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs) may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. Keep your confirmation number and copies of submitted documents.
Post-Approval Process
- Receive an Illinois Link Card by mail, which must be activated before use.
- Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online (e.g., Amazon, Walmart). SNAP cannot cover delivery fees.
- Benefits are loaded monthly on a staggered schedule based on the last digit of the primary applicant’s Social Security number or case number (e.g., 1-3 on the 1st, 4-6 on the 3rd, etc.).
- Check balances via receipts, the Illinois ABE portal, by calling 1-800-678-5465, or through resources like How to Check SNAP Balance.
- Protect your EBT card from scams by changing your PIN regularly and reporting issues immediately to 1-800-678-5465. Note: Replacement of stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) is not available for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024.
EBT Card Perks
- Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Walmart, and other approved retailers.
- Farmers’ Markets: Purchase fresh produce at participating markets, with some offering matching programs like Illinois’ Link Up Illinois.
- Discount Programs: Discounts on services like Amazon Prime or museum admissions (check Museums for All).
Items Not Covered by SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Vitamins or medications
Key Information
- Income and benefit limits are updated annually (October 1).
- Most Illinois households are categorically eligible, easing income and asset restrictions.
- Use the Illinois ABE SNAP Eligibility Calculator to estimate eligibility.
- Apply even if unsure—you may qualify.
- Report stolen benefits (for thefts before December 20, 2024) within 30 days of discovery and seek emergency food assistance via Illinois 2-1-1 or the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Resources
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility
- Greater Chicago Food Depository: (773) 247-3663
- Illinois 2-1-1 for emergency food assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for SNAP in Illinois?
Apply online at the Illinois ABE portal, in person at an IDHS Family Community Resource Center, by mail, fax, or call (800) 843-6154 for help.
What are the 2025 SNAP income limits for Illinois?
For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $2,375 (165% FPL). Limits vary by household size. Categorically eligible households may have higher limits.
How long does SNAP approval take in Illinois?
Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 7 days for emergencies.
Can I use my Illinois SNAP EBT card online?
Yes, it’s accepted at retailers like Amazon and Walmart for eligible grocery purchases.
Are there work requirements for Illinois SNAP?
Adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt (e.g., disabled, pregnant, or caring for a child).
This guide is based on 2025 federal and Illinois IDHS guidelines. Verify details with your local IDHS office for accuracy.