Transcript SNAP (Food Stamps ) - Illinois Legal Aid

SNAP (FOOD STAMPS )
Assists families in
purchasing food
For the first time, over 2 million
people in Illinois received SNAP
benefits in October 2012.
Who is in my Household?
People are in the same SNAP household if they purchase and
prepare meals together. Certain people must be considered
to be in the same household:
• Parents and children (up until age 22)
• Children living with a caretaker (up
until age 18)
• Spouses
Individuals in the same SNAP household are on the same
case and the entire household’s income and expenses will
be considered.
Financially advantageous to have multiple SNAP
“households”.
What is the income limit for SNAP?
The maximum monthly income is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL),
based on household size:
Family Size
Max. Income
1
2
3
$1174
$1579
$1984
4
$2389
5
$2794
For earned income, use the gross income from pay stubs, before taxes and
other withholdings.
Unless a household contains an elderly or disabled member, the
household must meet the gross income test before household expenses
are considered.
There is NO gross income test for households with elderly or disabled
members.
There is no asset test.
How much will I get?
The amount depends on a number of factors, including
income and expenses. Eligible expenses include:
Rent/Mortgage
Utilities (paying for AC/Heat, or receiving LIHEAP)
Child Care
Medical Expenses (for elderly/disabled household member)
Expenses over $35/month count
Child support paid
The maximum amount is based on the number of eligible people in your
household:
Family Size
Max. Benefit
1
$200
2
$367
3
$526
4
$668
Try the SNAP Calculator on the DHS website!
5
$793
How do I access my SNAP benefits?
SNAP benefits are issued on a “LINK” card. This functions like a
debit card, and is reloaded each month you are eligible for food stamp
assistance. LINK cards are now mailed to clients when a SNAP application is
approved. To check the balance of your LINK card, or if it is lost or stolen,
call 1-800-678-LINK (5465). You can also check your balance or order a new
card on the DHS website.
IMPORTANT! If the head of the household is ineligible for assistance, enter
social security number and birth date of children in phone system to
activate card or check balance.
Allowable Uses of SNAP funds
YES
• any food or food
product for human
consumption,
• plus seeds and plants
for use in home
gardens to produce
food.
NO
• Hot foods ready to eat,
• Food intended to be heated in the
store,
• Foods to be eaten in the store,
• Vitamins or medicines,
• Pet foods,
• Any nonfood items (except seeds
and plants),
• Alcoholic beverages, or
• Tobacco.
Can apply in person, by fax or online
How long will it take?
Regular SNAP benefits
You must have access to benefits within 30 days from the date of
application.
Expedited SNAP benefits
Your application must be processed in 5 days if your household:
Has rent/mortgage and utility expenses in excess of their
income and assets, or
Has assets under $100 and monthly income under $150.