Program Served More Than 60,000 People Over Four Days;
Additional Persons With "Return" Tickets Can Apply Next Week
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today announced that the acceptance of Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications has officially ended. IDHS began distributing federal Disaster SNAP benefits on Monday, June 17. Between Monday and Thursday, the department provided more than $7.6 million in Disaster SNAP benefits to nearly 61,000 persons statewide. Individuals who were in line when the program closed yesterday and received a return ticket from a designated IDHS office are eligible to come back for service next week. People without a ticket will not be able to apply for Disaster SNAP.
"With this special program, we were able to provide those affected by the flooding with extra benefits to buy groceries and take care of their families. We are appreciative to program applicants, as well as our local and state partners for helping ensure order despite the large number of people being served," said IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food for human consumption, but cannot be used to buy alcoholic drinks, tobacco products or non-food products. Benefits must be used within 90 days.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, IDHS is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the department.
Persons committing fraud with SNAP will be disqualified from the program, and may be fined up to $250,000, receive a prison term of up to 20 years, or both.
