SNAP/Link Benefits

SNAP/LINK BENEFITS DECREASED IN MARCH 2023

SNAP/Link benefits, formerly known as food stamps, were reduced in March as a result of federal policy changes.

SNAP/Link Benefits Were Reduced in March 2023

Due to a federal policy change, emergency SNAP ended in March 2023.

During the pandemic, the federal government issued emergency supplemental benefits to SNAP, the program otherwise known as LINK or EBT in the state of Illinois. Beginning in April 2020, all Illinois SNAP households received their regular monthly benefit from the 1st to the 20th of the month and a separate emergency SNAP issuance after the 21st of the month.

Emergency SNAP was issued for the last time in February 2023. All Illinois SNAP households saw their benefits decrease in March.

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How Much Did  SNAP/Link Benefits Change?

SNAP participants saw their benefits cut anywhere from $55 to $255 per person per month. The average one-person household saw their benefits go down by $82 per month in March.

The exact size of the benefit decrease each household experienced varied greatly depending on income and household size. Households with little to no net income experienced the smallest cuts. Households with larger net income received larger cuts.

Illinois SNAP households received their regular monthly benefit between the 1st to the 20th of the month. This was the amount recipients continued to receive in March. In April 2020, emergency SNAP was sent after the 21st of the month. Recipients no longer received emergency SNAP benefits as of March.

You can also log into your account on the Application for Benefits Eligible (ABE) website or create an account on ABE to learn more.

Next Steps for You: How to Maximize Your SNAP/Link Benefits

SNAP participants should make sure that all of their information is complete and accurate to ensure they receive the maximum SNAP/Link benefits they are eligible for.

If you have experienced certain changes, you may be eligible for more in SNAP benefits:

  • The number of people in your household increased
  • Your income went down
  • Your housing, medical, or child care expenses went up
  • You pay child support expenses for a child not in your home

If you experienced one of these changes, the Greater Chicago Food Depository can help you understand the impact on your benefits and how to report changes. Call 773-247-3663 or submit our online form to have us call you back.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is also here to help. Visit abe.illinois.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-843-6154.

BENEFITS OUTREACH

Next Steps for You: Explore Other Federal and State-Sponsored Programs

The Food Depository can also help you connect to other benefits like medical, LIHEAP, EITC and WIC.

FOOD & MEDICAL BENEFITS PROGRAMS

Medicaid

Explore Medicaid, a federal and state program that helps you get access to critical healthcare and services.
WIC

Find out how WIC (nutrition for Women, Infants and Children) helps ensure families receive the food needed for growing bodies.
LIHEAP

Learn how to seek assistance with electricity and heating in Chicago and the Cook County region through LIHEAP.
EITC

Find out more about who is eligible for tax credits through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Find Food

If your SNAP benefits don’t last you through the month, you can get free groceries from a local food pantry.

Find Food

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Maximize My SNAP Benefits and Other Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the SNAP/Link benefits decrease in March 2023.

During the pandemic, the federal government issued emergency SNAP benefits, known as LINK or EBT in the state of Illinois. Since April 2020, all Illinois SNAP households have received their regular monthly benefit from the 1st to the 20th of the month and a separate emergency SNAP issuance after the 21st of the month.

Due to a recent federal policy change, emergency SNAP is ending soon.

Emergency SNAP will be issued for the last time in February 2023. All Illinois SNAP households will see their benefits decrease in March.

SNAP participants will see their benefits cut anywhere from $55 to $255 per person per month. The average one-person household will see their benefits go down by $82 per month in March.

The exact size of the benefit decrease each household will experience will vary greatly depending on income and household size. Households with little to no net income will see the smallest cut. Households with larger net income will receive larger cuts.

Illinois SNAP households receive their regular monthly benefit between the 1st to the 20th of the month. This is the amount you will continue to receive in March. Since April 2020, emergency SNAP has been sent after the 21st of the month. This is the amount you will no longer receive starting in March.

You can also log into your account on the Application for Benefits Eligible (ABE) website or create an account on ABE to learn more.

SNAP participants should make sure that all of their information is complete and accurate to ensure they receive the maximum SNAP/Link benefits they are eligible for.

If you have experienced certain changes, you may be eligible for more in SNAP benefits:

  • The number of people in your household increased
  • Your income went down
  • Your housing, medical, or child care expenses went up
  • You pay child support expenses for a child not in your home

If you experienced one of these changes, the Greater Chicago Food Depository can help you understand the impact on your benefits and how to report changes. Call 773-247-3663 or submit our online form to have us call you back.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is also here to help. Visit abe.illinois.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-843-6154.

You can reach out to the Illinois Department of Human Services for help. Visit abe.illinois.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-843-6154.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository can also help you understand the impact on your benefits. Call 773-247-3663 or submit our online form to have us call you back.

There are many other federal and state-sponsored programs that can help you and your family. The Food Depository can help you connect to other benefits like medical, LIHEAP, EITC and WIC. Learn more about available benefits programs.

If your SNAP benefits don’t last you through the month, you can get free groceries from a local food pantry. Find a nearby food pantry in Cook County.

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