A. Overview of SNAP nutrition program in Illinois
The State of Illinois administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which helps low-income individuals obtain proper access to food and nutrition. The program subsidizes low-income households' income through SNAP benefits which are delivered through the Illinois Link card, an electronic benefits (EBT) card, accepted in most grocery and convenience stores and some farmer's markets.
States must provide employment and training services (E&T) to SNAP program participants. In Illinois a large part of this program is the SNAP JP/SNAP to Success program which utilizes funding from USDA as well as SNAP E&T matching funds to deliver services. The SNAP JP/SNAP to Success program supports and enhances employment and training services through working with community partners and by partnering with the local workforce development system throughout the state.
Due to changes to state law in 2020 participation in SNAP E&T is now 100% voluntary. The program is open to any Voluntary participants who may choose to participate in SNAP E&T to improve their skills or advance in their career.
Federal work requirements may still apply to some individuals on SNAP when Federal Time Limited Benefits are in effect. These individuals called ABAWDS can meet their work requirements by actively participating in SNAP JP/SNAP to Success or Earnfare.
B. SNAP Program Eligibility
The income threshold for SNAP benefits in Illinois is based on household income and depends upon the number of individuals that are in the household (see chart below). Income is not the only criteria for eligibility, but it is the primary one. One needs to go through the application process and speak to an IDHS case manager to definitively determine eligibility. Effective October 2024:
| Number of People in SNAP Unit |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income as of 10/01/24 |
| 1 |
$ 2,071 |
| 2 |
$ 2,811 |
| 3 |
$ 3,551 |
| 4 |
$ 4,290 |
| 5 |
$ 5,030 |
| 6 |
$ 5,770 |
| 7 |
$ 6,510 |
To check the most up to date eligibility amounts and to apply for benefits you can go to the IDHS ABE portal.
C. General Information
- Confidentiality - Each organization must have all staff with access to confidential client information take measures with correspondence, case files, service delivery notes, etc. to ensure clients' confidentiality and privacy. The partner organization must be familiar with and comply with state and federal statutes and regulations concerning clients served, handling of confidential records and complete annual HIPAA training.
- Provider Liability - All providers must have appropriate and sufficient insurance for the services that they are providing. For example, if the provider supplies direct transportation for clients, then they must carry sufficient insurance to cover the vehicle, driver, and passengers in the event of an accident and injury.
- Program Marketing - Providers are responsible for the marketing and promotion of the program. IDHS must review and approve all public marketing materials used if they mention IDHS or SNAP E&T. No public official's names can be used on marketing materials for a public program. IDHS will refer program participants to a provider at the participant's request.
D. SNAP E&T Eligibility
An individual is eligible to participate in SNAP E&T if they are:
- Eligible* or receiving SNAP benefits
- Not receiving cash assistance through TANF
- Age 18 or older
- Able to work at least 20 hours a week, or will be able to do so with in the next 6 months
- Able to participate in SNAP E&T immediately.
* Individuals who are eligible for SNAP, but not yet receiving SNAP, need to have their application for SNAP approved prior to receiving E&T services but they can begin the intake process.
