There are four types of social benefits in the state of Illinois, and you have to know the difference between all of them to define which one applies better to your situation. One such program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. Its primary goal is to enable low-income individuals and families to purchase essential food items that contribute to good health. The state of Illinois delivers the money to the beneficiaries via Illinois Link Card, accepted in numerous groceries stores across the state.
In addition to SNAP, the state also provides Cash Assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF offers temporary financial support and healthcare coverage to pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. This assistance covers various essential expenses, including but not limited to food, shelter, utilities, and non-medical costs.
Other programs in Illinois, different from the SNAP benefits
The Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) Cash program caters specifically target people in the need with those physical situations. Individuals falling under these categories and requiring financial aid can avail themselves of the AABD Cash program. According to this state, no one could be in need, and that’s what the program tries to aim against. By offering access to healthcare services at a reasonable cost, Illinois prioritizes the well-being of its residents, providing them with the necessary support to maintain their health.
In another parallel but unrelated program, the state of Illinois also offers healthcare coverage for families with eligible children, as well as adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. Now that you know the difference between the different programs, you also have to know how to qualify to receive that important stimulus.
How to apply for SNAP benefits in Illinois
To start with the application, you should know what are the requirements. The state of Illinois requires information regarding the number of individuals residing together in the household, their respective ages, and their relationship to one another. In the case of SNAP applications, it is also necessary to identify those who contribute to food purchases and meal preparation.
You should also provide the income received by each household member, which is a key determinant. This includes earnings from employment as well as income from non-work-related sources such as Social Security, unemployment benefits, or retirement benefits.
Feel free to apply if you’re a United States citizen or legal resident within the next categories:
- Individuals with qualified immigrant status, including residents who have resided in the U.S. for five years or more, may be eligible for benefits.
- Individuals with qualified immigrant status, such as refugees and asylees, may qualify for benefits as qualified immigrants, even if they have not resided in the U.S. for five years.
- Children and pregnant women who are not U.S. citizens and do not possess qualifying immigration status or are undocumented may still be eligible for health care coverage, specifically Medicaid or All Kids.
- Noncitizen adults who fail to meet immigration requirements but have a serious medical condition may qualify for emergency medical benefits.
If you comply with the requirements mentioned so far, head to the official webpage of the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) where you can determine if you’ll be getting this benefits in the near future.