PM 06-34-00: Pre-Release Program (SNAP)

WAG 06-34-00

revised manual textPre-Release Program

  • revised manual textThe Pre-Release Program allows individuals to have immediate access to SNAP benefits upon release from an approved Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery (IDHS-DBHR) State Operated Psychiatric Hospital (SOPH), or Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) facility and ensures food security as they transition back into the community.
  • The Pre-Release Program was initially implemented as the Prison Pre-Release Program effective 07/01/2020 under a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) waiver. The waiver allows IDHS to accept SNAP applications submitted by individuals residing in these certain facilities within revised manual text10 days prior to their revised manual textExpected Release Date and to define the application date as the Actual Release Date. The program began as a pilot program with one participating correctional facility in July of 2020 and was gradually rolled out to other approved participating IDOC, SOPH, and IDJJ facilities in the state. See the complete list of participating facilities in WAG 06-34-01-a, WAG 06-34-01-b, and WAG 06-34-01-c.
  • Staff at the IDOC, SOPH, or IDJJ facility may assist the individual with the application process via ABE, revised manual textABE Provider Portal, mail-in, or Fax.
  • Individuals being released and added to an existing SNAP household do not qualify to participate in this program.
  • new manual textCash benefits will be automatically denied for individuals living in an IDOC, SOPH, or IDJJ facility.
  • new manual textState Food will follow SNAP policy in regards to the Pre-Release Program.

new manual textNote: Only facilities approved by IDHS will have access to the ABE Provider Portal.