Federal government cuts funding for food assistance program in Illinois

Reductions take effect in November

[October 31, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- Participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, will see a reduction in benefits due to the expiration of the temporary increase put in place by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

On Nov. 1, most families will see their benefits decrease due to the end of the extra benefits provided by the 2009 law.

The Illinois Department of Human Services informed SNAP recipients of the changes by distributing fliers at local offices and placing notices on its automated phone line, website and social media pages.

Recipients can find out the amount of their benefits by calling the number on the back of their Illinois Link card or the IDHS automated line at 800-843-6154.

The amount of SNAP benefits each eligible household receives depends on several factors, such as income, household size and expenses. For example, on Nov. 1, a family of four with no change in circumstances will see a decrease of $36 in their monthly benefits.

SNAP maximum monthly benefit changes

Household size	Maximum difference
1	$11 decrease
2	$20 decrease
3	$29 decrease
4	$36 decrease

In Illinois, more than 2 million people currently participate in the SNAP program, which is managed and funded by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by Illinois Department of Human Services.

For more information about IDHS programs, visit www.dhs.state.il.us or call 800-843-6154.

[Text from Illinois Department of Human Services file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]