Approved/Denied Waivers
Recertification Extensions: IDHS submitted a waiver requested an extension of six (6) months on all SNAP certifications that are set to expire between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020.
- On Friday, March 20, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted Illinois a waiver to extend recertification periods for "households scheduled to in March, April and May 2020, for 6 months until September, October and November 2020."
- The approval letter also allowed for an adjustment to requirement requirements.
Telephonic Signatures: IDHS submitted a waiver to request to waiver the telephonic signature requirements allowing for the use of verbal attestation for SNAP applications submitted by phone or without a signature.
- On Friday, March 27, 2020, the USDA granted the waiver request.
WIC: IDHS submitted a waiver to request to waive physical presence requirements.
- On Friday, March 20, 2020, the USDA granted the waiver request through May 31, 2020.
Higher Education Students: On March 23, IDHS submitted a waiver to USDA to apply a Good Cause exemption to students enrolled in higher education (at least half-time) who are unable to meet the student exemptions due to the COVID-19 public health emergency which has caused colleges and universities to close and has resulted in a lack of employment or job training.
- On March 25, 2020, FNS announced a blanket denial of all waivers for higher education students.
Blanket Waivers - IDHS Notified USDA of Intent to Implement
SNAP for School-Age Children: IDHS notified USDA of its intent to implement a program whereby SNAP supplements are issued to school-age children receiving free and reduced lunch.
- The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provided a blanket waiver for this program; states needed to notify of their intent to implement.
Emergency Supplements: IDHS notified USDA of its intent to implement a program for the issuance of emergency allotments (supplements) for SNAP households to increase the allotments to the maximum for household size.
- FNS provided a blanket waiver for this program; states need to notify of their intent to implement.
Interviews: IDHS notified USDA of its intent to implement the adjustments to the SNAP interview requirements.
- Removes interview requirement prior to approval for SNAP households so long as identify and all other required items can be verified.
- Removes offer of or option to do an in-person interview for SNAP households at application or recertification.
- Removes interview requirement prior to approval for expedited SNAP applications so long as identity and other required items can be verified and an attempt to contact for interview has been made.
- IDHS was notified on March 26, 2020, of the approval to implement these adjustments.
Submitted Waiver - Awaiting USDA Action
ABAWDS Time Limits: IDHS has submitted a waiver requesting the ABAWD work requirement time limits are suspended 6 months (until September 30, 2020).
SNAP ESRP: IDHS has submitted a waiver requesting an extension to allow 24-month certifications for elderly or disabled households (currently certification is 12-months).
Authorized Representative: IDHS has submitted a waiver to allow a SNAP applicant to appoint a community-partner/advocate as an Authorized Representative via verbal attestation as opposed to written/signed consent.
