Use SNAP EBT Benefits at Restaurants

Participating restaurants are located within Franklin County and select Cook County zip codes. View a map of the participating restaurants above.

Yes! In addition to the above Cook County communities, Franklin County will have two restaurants participating in the pilot. Please check back for an update on the remaining restaurants that will be eligible for SNAP payment.

No, you do not need to fill out any additional forms or applications to use to become eligible. Eligible participants are automatically enrolled in the program.

Yes. All restaurants participating in the pilot will have seating available, though meals purchased with SNAP benefits at participating restaurants do not need to be consumed at the restaurant.

The state issued EBT equipment to all participating restaurants which have an Automated Eligibility Identifier. This enables the restaurant to automatically identify if an EBT card can be processed for the Restaurant Meals Program.

Yes! If your household fall within one of the three eligibility criteria (over age 60, living with a disability or experiencing homelessness), you are eligible to use your SNAP benefits at participating restaurants.

No. All household members, except for the eligible individual’s spouse, must qualify within one of the three categories in order to use household SNAP benefits to purchase a hot meal at participating restaurants. If you are eligible and only live with your spouse, who does not fall into one of the three eligibility categories, you are still eligible.

A Restaurant Meals Program poster will be provided for placement on each business' door or window. Look for the poster below to identify restaurants participating in the Restaurant Meals Program.

You only need to bring your SNAP/Link card. The participating restaurants will have a card reader which confirms who is eligible to participate by the swipe of your Link card.

Upon implementation, DHS will review cases with the special indicator and if a Redetermination was processed within six months of implementation, the certification period will be extended. Otherwise, the household would not be reviewed for the Restaurant Meals Program until the next redetermination.

It is recommended that you contact DHS to report any changes to ability and housing to ensure you will become eligible for restaurant meals at your next redetermination. Changes in age do not require additional reporting.

Any member of your household can use the SNAP/Link card to food shop. Their name or picture does NOT need to be on the card.

You can also give your LINK card and PIN temporarily to a trusted friend or relative to food shop or pick up a restaurant meal for you. It is recommended that you change your PIN after another individual uses your card on your behalf.

You can check your Link EBT account balance and transactions online or call 1-800-678-LINK (5465).

You can also visit Manage My Case to see if you are indicated as eligible to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program pilot.

For questions about the Restaurant Meals Program pilot or SNAP enrollment and eligibility, you can contact:

• The Illinois Department of Human Services
• The Greater Chicago Food Depository's Public Benefits Outreach Team at 773-843-5416

For questions on restaurant offerings, please contact the participating restaurant directly.