Illinois' food stamp accuracy rate exceeds the national average for third straight year         

State's food stamp program offers nutritious food for more than 500,000 low-income families

[JULY 22, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Human Services announced Friday that Illinois was commended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for continuing to achieve quality in its food stamp program. Illinois has shown dramatic improvement in calculating food stamp benefits paid to low-income residents and, for the past three years, has posted one of the highest payment accuracy rates among the nation's largest states.

"Families shouldn't have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, so it's important to ensure that all who are eligible for the food stamp program receive the benefits they need to put food on the table," said Department of Human Services Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. "We can be proud of this accomplishment, which has helped improve the quality of life for many low-income Illinoisans."

The food stamp program was designed to help end hunger and improve nutrition and health. It provides support to needy households and to those making the transition from welfare to work. The program serves as the first line of defense against hunger. It enables low-income families to buy nutritious food that fosters good health and promotes well-being.

In June there were 561,396 households receiving food stamps in Illinois, an increase of nearly 6 percent over last year's total of 529,506.

The payment accuracy rate indicates the percentage of errors in determining the correct amount of benefits for recipients. Illinois' payment accuracy rate was 94.25 percent in federal fiscal 2005. This means that nearly 95 percent of the families served received the proper amount of benefits on time.

Prior to 2003, Illinois faced penalties of up to $25 million from the USDA for food stamp payment errors. Now, the Illinois program is seen as a national model for accuracy.

"Families depend on food stamps to stretch their limited incomes, so improving customer service and accuracy are among our primary goals," Adams said. "At the same time, accuracy means less staff time and money spent on resolving payment errors. We can expect to reach even more people as we begin to unveil our technology projects, which include offering customers the option to apply for benefits online without having to submit the application in person. DHS customers should be online, not in line."

[Illinois Department of Human Services news release]