Who is eligible?
You may be able to receive Food Stamps if you are:
- A US citizen or qualifying non-citizen
- Meet income (the state uses your gross income after you have paid any child support) and asset standards
If you are want to see if you can get this help click here. You will be able to enter information to find out if you may be able to receive benefits and how much you may be able to receive. You will need to report the number of persons who live and eat together; and the amount of available liquid assets, such as money in checking and savings accounts. If you pay for dependent care (for children or disabled/elderly household members that need care so you can go to work) make sure you enter exactly how much you pay. Also enter any child support that you pay for children who do not live with you.
Where do you apply
You apply by going to the local Illinois Department of Human Service’s Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) in your area or you can apply online or go online to print an application (en espanol) that you can mail to the office in your area. Click here to find the office in your area.
What happens after you apply?
You will need to be interviewed in person at the local IDHS office. After you apply a letter is sent to you that tell you the date and time of your interview. The interview is to be scheduled and held within 14 calendar days of when the state receives your application. You will need to bring information about your housing costs, income, and assets (checking, savings, retirement accounts, etc.) to the interview.
If you cannot go into the office for an interview due to health problems, conflict with work hours or lack of child care, please provide this information on the application (there is a section on page 3 that you mark) and ask for the interview to be done by phone. Make sure you give the phone number where you can be called.
Once the application is received by the state, they have 30 days to make a decision on whether or not you are eligible for cash benefits.
If you have very low income you can ask about Emergency / Expedited Food Stamps. If you qualify, you will be interviewed within a couple of days and could start receiving Food Stamps in as little as 5 days.