New Illinois Law Allows More to Become Eligible for Food Stamps

Some Illinois families will have an easier time qualifying for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to a law signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday increasing eligibility for the program to Illinoisians earning 165 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, up from 130 percent - the lowest level permitted by federal law.

The new law, Senate Bill 1847, also allows a household with an elderly, blind or disabled person to be considered for the benefits if the gross income is at or below 200 percent of the non-farm income poverty guidelines.

“This measure will help thousands of hungry families,” said State Senator Daniel Biss (D-Evanston). “Because SNAP benefits are funded exclusively by federal dollars, we can provide food security to Illinoisans without putting an additional burden on the state budget.”

According to a release, about 2 million Illinois residents received SNAP assistance in November of last year, and according to the Shriver Center, the prospective new law would have a fiscal impact of $1 million to the state.

The law goes into effect on January 1 of next year and may still be subject to federal approval.