Applying for SNAP During the COVID-19 Crisis

We’ve created a Spanish and English flyer detailing how you can apply for SNAP during COVID-19.

Due to COVID-19, there are resources to help with applications for SNAP benefits over the phone or the web. Click below to view, download, and print our flyer on how to apply for SNAP during COVID-19. The flyer has help in both English and Spanish.

Applying for SNAP During COVID-19 FlyerDownload

You can quickly check if you qualify for SNAP at apply.mrelief.com/screener.

Here are the contents of the flyer:

As of April 16th, IDHS Family Community Resource Centers (FCRCs) are closed for in-person visits.

You can still apply for SNAP benefits through IDHS by going to abe.illinois.gov or calling (800) 843 6154. Certain community organizations can also help you apply for SNAP over the phone.

Organizations that can Help You Apply for SNAP Benefits

Catholic Charities – Family Stabilization Services Department

  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Phone: (312) 655-7500
  • catholiccharities.net
  • Other Benefits Help: Medicaid, Medicare, financial assistance

Chicago Public Schools – Health and Wellness

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Legal Aid Chicago

  • Languages: English, Spanish
    • Interpreters available for any other language
  • Phone: (312) 341-1070
  • When: Monday – Friday starting at 8am
  • legalaidchicago.org/get-help/
  • Other Benefits Help: Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, TANF

Illinois Department of Human Services

  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Phone: 1 (833) 2-FIND-HELP (1-833-234-6343) or 1-800-843-6154
  • When: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
  • ABE.Illinois.gov

Illinois Hunger Coalition

  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Phone: 1 (800) 359-2163
  • When: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
  • www.ilhunger.org
  • Can help with SNAP application denials
  • Other Benefits Help: WIC, LIHEAP, child care, housing assistance, senior nutrition and help, Meals on Wheels

You can quickly check if you qualify for SNAP at apply.mrelief.com/screener.

Other Important SNAP Updates:

  • If your SNAP benefits were scheduled to be recertified in March, April, or May, you are automatically receiving a six (6) month extension. You will not have to recertify until September, October, or November.
  • Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) are exempt from work requirements until the month following the end of the federally declared emergency. Working is not required to keep SNAP benefits.
  • If your monthly SNAP benefit is less than the maximum SNAP benefit for your household size, you will get a supplemental SNAP benefit for April and May.
  • Pandemic EBT will be paid to families with school-aged children in April and May, regardless of immigration status. Families on SNAP will receive this money automatically. Others should submit an application through abe.illinois.gov.

For more details and SNAP updates, go to link.nfpnchicago.org/covid-19-snap

Can’t find assistance? We might be able to help. link.nfpnchicago.org/assistance