Illinois SNAP benefit requirements updated

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 12:20 PM

By Steve Anderson

Reports out of Springfield indicate that the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated some of it's eligibility requirements for Lawrence County and other state residents to get SNAP (food stamp) benefits.

The agency unveiled the changes before a committee of state lawmakers this week.

The amount of SNAP benefits that are received by people each month is based on the size of their household, income and expenses. Caseworkers then decide allowable expenses by adding the amount charged for rent or mortgages, property taxes, home insurance and utility bills along with other payments.

According to agency officials, the new utility standards for eligibility will allow Lawrence County and other families across the state to get their benefits at a faster pace.

You can visit the DHS website through Illinois.gov to get more information.