Illinois Snap Eligibility Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate your household's eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois. This tool provides an estimate based on common income and deduction rules; actual eligibility is determined by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

Household Size: Number of people living together and buying/preparing food together.

Gross Monthly Earned Income ($): Total income from wages, salaries, or self-employment before taxes and deductions.

Gross Monthly Unearned Income ($): Income from sources like Social Security, unemployment, child support, pensions, etc.

Household includes an elderly (age 60+) or disabled member?

Monthly Medical Expenses for Elderly/Disabled ($): Only for elderly or disabled household members. Enter expenses over $35/month.

Monthly Dependent Care Expenses ($): Costs for childcare or adult care necessary for work or education.

Monthly Housing Costs (Rent/Mortgage, Property Tax, Insurance) ($): Total monthly rent or mortgage payment, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance.

Monthly Utility Costs (Electricity, Gas, Water, Trash) ($): Total monthly costs for all utilities.

Do you pay for heating or cooling costs separately? This affects the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA).

Understanding Illinois SNAP Eligibility

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as Link benefits in Illinois, helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. Eligibility is determined by several factors, primarily household size, income, and certain expenses.

Key Eligibility Factors:

Household Size: This refers to the number of people who live together and buy and prepare food together. The larger your household, the higher the income limits.
Gross Income Test: For most households, your total gross monthly income (before deductions) must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size. Households with an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled member are exempt from this test.
Net Income Test: After certain deductions are applied to your gross income, your household's net monthly income must be at or below 100% of the FPL for your household size. All households must meet this test.
Assets: Most households do not have to meet an asset limit. However, households with an elderly or disabled member may have a higher asset limit (e.g., $4,250) compared to other households (e.g., $2,750). This calculator primarily focuses on income.

How Income and Deductions Work:

SNAP eligibility is not just about your raw income. The program allows for several deductions that can lower your countable (net) income, making it easier to qualify:

Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your gross earned income is disregarded.
Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on your household size.
Dependent Care Deduction: Costs for childcare or adult care needed for work or education.
Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, medical expenses over $35 per month can be deducted.
Shelter Deduction: This is often the largest deduction. It includes rent/mortgage, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and utility costs. If your shelter costs exceed 50% of your income after other deductions, the excess amount can be deducted, up to a cap (unless an elderly or disabled member is present). A Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) is often used for utility costs, which can be higher than actual utility bills.

Important Considerations:

This calculator provides an estimate only. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) makes the final determination of eligibility and benefit amounts.
Rules and income limits can change annually. This calculator uses recent (e.g., 2023/2024) figures.
Other factors like citizenship status, work requirements, and student status can also affect eligibility.
Even if you are deemed ineligible by this calculator, you may still qualify. It's always recommended to apply through official channels.

How to Apply for SNAP in Illinois:

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Illinois through several methods:

Online: Visit the ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) website.
In Person: Visit your local IDHS Family Community Resource Center.
By Mail: Download an application form from the IDHS website and mail it in.

After applying, you will likely have an interview with an IDHS caseworker to verify your information.