SNAP and food help for older adults in Illinois

Who qualifies

The Senior Farmers Market limit is 185% of the federal poverty level. The CSFP limit is 150%.

SNAP rules for people 60 and over

SNAP is run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled:

• Only the net income test applies. Net income is what is left after allowed costs are taken off. You do not have to pass the gross income test.
• Higher asset limit: your household can have up to $4,750 in countable resources. Your home and lot do not count.
• No cap on the shelter deduction: all housing costs above half of your income (after other deductions) can be taken off.
• Living with others: if you are 60 or older and a lasting disability keeps you from buying and making your own meals, you and your spouse may count as a separate household, if the people you live with have low income.

Illinois's standard medical deduction

This is where Illinois differs from basic federal rules. If a household member who is 60 or older or disabled has more than $35 a month in medical costs, IDHS takes off a standard $185 a month. You only have to prove that your costs are over $35, not show every bill.

• If your real medical costs are higher than $185, you can choose to use your actual costs instead. You must prove the full amount.
• People in group homes get a larger standard amount.
• Costs paid by insurance or by someone outside your home do not count.

What counts as income

SSI, Social Security, pensions and other income count. If everyone in your home gets SSI or TANF, your household may qualify automatically. The resources of people who get SSI are not counted.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Illinois Department on Aging and IDHS run this program together.

• What you get: one booklet of four checks worth $40 in all for 2026.
• What you can buy: fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey.
• Where: at participating farmers markets and roadside stands in 37 counties. Look for a yellow sign with black letters.
• When: checks can be used from July 10 to October 31, 2026.
• How to get them: contact your local Area Agency on Aging (11 of Illinois's 13 agencies give out checks). In Chicago, contact the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Checks go out first come, first served, so ask early in the summer.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

CSFP gives a free box of USDA food each month to people 60 and over with low income. A box can include cereal, oats, pasta, rice, peanut butter, dry milk, cheese, canned meat, canned fruits and vegetables, beans and juice.

• You must live in a county that takes part, and show proof of where you live.
• People living in nursing homes cannot get CSFP.
• You can tell the agency your income yourself.
• You are approved for three years, but you must confirm your address and that you still want the food each year.
• If someone else picks up your box for you, that is allowed. Homebound people get priority when there is a waiting list.

Where to apply:

• Cook County: Greater Chicago Food Depository, 773-247-3663, [email protected]
• Clinton, Franklin, Jackson, Jersey, Madison, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington and Williamson counties: St. Louis Area Foodbank, 314-292-6262
• Alexander, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash and White counties: Tri-State Foodbank, 812-425-0775

Other counties do not have CSFP.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online at abe.illinois.gov (Application for Benefits Eligibility), or on paper with Form IL444-2378 B (Spanish: IL444-2378 BS). Sign it, then bring, mail or fax it to your local IDHS Family Community Resource Center. Your application date is the day the office gets your signed form.
2. Bring or send proof of your identity, where you live, and Social Security numbers for everyone on the application. Bring proof of medical costs too, to get the medical deduction.
3. Do the interview. IDHS asks you to come to the office, but you may be able to do it by phone.
4. Someone can help. If you cannot go to the office, you can name a person in writing to apply and do the interview for you.

For help, call the IDHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY 1-866-324-5553, or 711).

After you apply

• Report changes in income, address or household through IDHS's "Manage Your Benefits" options, online, by phone or in person.
• Appeals: you have 90 days from the date on a SNAP notice to appeal. File online through ABE, by email to [email protected], by fax to 312-793-3387, by mail to IDHS Bureau of Hearings, 69 W. Washington, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602, or by phone at 1-800-435-0774 (TTY 1-877-734-7429). For SNAP you can also just tell your local office. To keep benefits during the appeal, appeal on or before the date they would be cut.

Things people miss

• Report your medical costs. Health insurance premiums, including Medicare premiums, can count if you prove them. Going over $35 a month unlocks the $185 deduction.
• You can get more than one program. The farmers market checks and CSFP are separate from SNAP.
• Farmers market checks run out. Ask your Area Agency on Aging as soon as the season opens.

Free help

• Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine: 1-800-252-8966 (711 TRS), weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can connect you with your Area Agency on Aging for farmers market checks and meals.
• IDHS Help Line: 1-800-843-6154.

For other programs, see all benefits in Illinois.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Illinois agencies

Check what you may qualify for