Resources – Page 2 – Northwest Food Partners Network

Unemployment Benefits Expiring? Apply for SNAP

If your Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is expiring soon, you should consider applying for SNAP.

*Click the infographics above to view full screen.*

If you received unemployment benefits during the pandemic, you likely receive Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, or PUC. PUC is scheduled to expire for all unemployment participants at the end of July.

This article contains information and resources on applying for SNAP benefits for both PUC recipients and community organizations that serve clients who have received PUC benefits.

Outreach Resources

PUC Benefits Expiration – Apply for SNAP Flyer Download

PUC/SNAP Benefits Outreach Guide for Service Providers Download

What is Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC)?

PUC provides an additional unemployment benefits of $600 per week. This temporary increase will end on July 25, 2020.

What can I do once my PUC benefits expire?

If you need additional help with purchasing groceries once your $600 per week from PUC stops coming in, you should consider applying for SNAP benefits.

Income Eligibility

Eligibility for SNAP is based on the income you received in the 30 days prior to the date of your application. For many people, the additional income received through Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) put them over the income limit for SNAP eligibility.

You can apply for SNAP as soon as your PUC benefits end. However, it is important to note that your first month of benefits will likely be $0 based on the income you received through PUC in the prior 30 days.

Future months of benefits, however, will be based on your income without PUC. (Illinois SNAP Policy Manual: PM 13-02-03: Income)

SNAP Income Limits

Below are the gross income limits for SNAP benefits. If your income will be less than the listed amount after the Pandemic Unemployment Benefits (PUC) end, you may be eligible for SNAP Benefits.

SNAP Unit Size	Maximum Gross Income Standard (165%)
1 Person	$1,718
2 Persons	2,326
3 Persons	2,933
4 Persons	3,541
5 Persons	4,149
6 Persons	4,757
7 Persons	5,364
8 Persons	5,972
9 Persons	6,580
10 Persons	7,188
Each Additional Member	+608

Tips for a Smooth Application Process (for Community Organizations)

In order to ensure that IDHS has a clear understanding of the client’s financial situation at the time of application, we recommend providing the caseworkers with an explanation of the fact that the clients income will be decreasing.

You can include a note on the fax cover page for a paper application, or in the comments section of the online application.

Below is a sample text for the note:

Mr. Smith had previously been receiving Pandemic Unemployment Benefits in the amount of $600 per week in addition to his regularly scheduled unemployment benefits. Beginning 7/25/2020, Mr. Smith will no longer be receiving the additional unemployment income, and will only be receiving his weekly benefit in the amount of $250.

Free Math and Reading Tutoring for CPS Students

This summer, Chicago Teen Mentors will be offering free tutoring in Math and Reading to rising 5th through 8th grade Chicago Public Schools students!

This summer, Chicago Teen Mentors will be offering free tutoring in Math and Reading to rising 5th through 8th grade Chicago Public Schools students!

Tutoring will be provided via Zoom Mondays through Saturdays.

To sign up, families and teens can go to chicagoteenmentors.org.

For more information, please contact chicagoteenmentors@gmail.com.

Please see and share the flyer below!

Chicago Teen Mentors Free Summer Tutoring Flyer Download

Expanded Financial Relief for Illinoisans

Illinois households with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level are now eligible to receive assistance with utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities.

The State of Illinois just authorized an expansion of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. This expansion will help Illinoisans get emergency assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities.

Households with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level are now eligible to receive financial assistance. Increased income eligibility thresholds aim to assist additional households needing support due to COVID-19.

Here are the services covered by this newly expanded financial relief:

Here is the income eligibility chart for these expanded services:

Family Size (total number in household)	30-Day Income Total to Meet Eligibility
1	$2,127
2	$2,873
3	$3,620
4	$4,367

Add $747 monthly income per person above 4 people

This new funding means approximately 1 million more residents are now eligible for this program – with about 3.5 million residents eligible in total. For an average family, that amounts to hundreds of dollars.

What documentation do I need to prove eligibility? For each household member, please have the following documents ready to confirm eligibility with your LAA or CAA:

Social security card
Proof of past 30-day income (such as a paystub, check, or copy of check showing fixed income amount [e.g. SSA, VA, DHS benefits] or other proof of documentation for any income source)
Utility bill if seeking utility bill assistance or lease if seeking rental assistance

Residents seeking emergency relief can visit helpillinoisfamilies.com to determine their eligibility and submit a pre-application.

Learn more and apply for relief

Emergency Relief One Pager

COVID-19 Relief Fund for Immigrant Families in Illinois

The COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project will provide funds to low-income immigrants in Illinois who are not eligible for the federal stimulus package, unemployment insurance, or public benefits.

UPDATE: According to ICIRR, the $2 million in funds have been exhausted. ICIRR is no longer accepting applications for emergency assistance.

Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has launched the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project.

This project will provide relief funds to one of the most underserved populations of the COVID-19 crisis: low-income immigrants who live in Illinois who are not eligible for the federal stimulus package, unemployment insurance, or public benefits.

Recipients of these funds will not be subject to Public Charge.

More info in English

Información en español aquí

How to Apply

Applicants will have to contact selected community-based organizations, who will screen applicants, determine eligibility, and assist in the application process.

Immigrant households should text “COVIDIL” to 52886 to receive more information and updates. Applications will be accepted until June 30^th or when funds run out.

For information on how to apply, go to www.icirr.org/covidil or text “COVIDIL” to 52886. Please also see the infographics at the bottom of this blog post for more information.

Eligibility

You must not be eligible for federal stimulus, unemployment insurance, or public benefits.
You must live in the state of Illinois.
You have experienced income disruption due to COVID-19.
Priority will be given to households with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Please see the Income Guidelines infographic below for more details.

Infographics

Overview

Apply

Eligibility

Income Guidelines

Use your Link Card to Order Groceries Online

You can now use your LINK benefits to pay for groceries from the comfort of your home. You can even have them shipped to your front door!

NOTE: As of 6/10/20, it appears that Amazon online grocery ordering with Link is working! Please email us at northwestfoodpartners@gmail.com if you encounter any issues.

Download Flyer / descargue EL folleto

You can now use Link (SNAP) benefits to pay for groceries from the comfort of your home. You can even have them shipped to your front door!

Availability

As of June 3rd 2020, in Illinois, you can only use your Link benefits to order groceries online from Amazon or Walmart.

Amazon offers shipping to your door.
Walmart only offers store pickup.

You do not need a credit card to order groceries with your Link card.

How to Order Groceries from Amazon

Log In: Go to amazon.com to log in or create an Amazon account.
Add Link Card: Go to amazon.com/snap-ebt to add your Link card to your payment options.
Add Eligible Groceries: Go to amazon.com/snap-ebt and click on one of the circled links below to view and choose groceries that are eligible to buy with your Link card.
Checkout: Click “Proceed to Checkout” to select your shipping address and finish your order. If you meet the free shipping order minimum, you will not need a credit card.

How to Order Groceries from Walmart

Order: Order groceries at walmart.com/grocery or on the Walmart Grocery mobile app.
Checkout: During checkout, select “EBT Card” as payment method.
Pickup: Swipe your Link card with the Walmart associate when you arrive at the pickup location.

Please download the flyer below and share with your community!

Download Flyer / descargue El folleto

Meal Sites for Families in Need This Week

A list of locations offering free meals for families in need this week in response to program stoppages

This blog post was adapted from this article by Block Club Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools suspended its free meal program on Monday, June 1st, but the program will return Tuesday, June 2nd. Here’s a list of CPS meal sites. All previously scheduled meal deliveries will still be delivered. People who want to sign up for future deliveries from CPS can call 773-553-KIDS.

In response to food program stoppages, neighborhood groups and local restaurants are coming together to offer relief. Here is a list of locations offering free meals for families in need this week.

The 40th Ward Neighbor Network will deliver meals from CPS schools to families that need them Monday, according to Ald. Andre Vasquez. You can sign up to help here.
Humboldt Park Montessori, 2540 W. Division St., will have bagged lunches for families needing food starting at 12:15pm until they run out.
The Pilsen Food Pantry was calling for volunteers to help with additional food distribution Monday.
Cesar’s Killer Margaritas, 3166 N. Clark St. is distributing boxed meals for families in need from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in light of the CPS news. “We ask you practice social distance, and have a face mask,” the restaurant’s owners posted on Facebook.
Urban Grill Chicago, 1132 W. Wilson Ave., is offering free lunches to CPS students from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church at 3253 W. Wilson Ave is providing food for families. If you can donate, you can bring by groceries before 1 p.m. The most useful items are bread, sandwich toppings, peanut butter & jelly, rice, soups, non-perishables, microwavable meals and fruits (other than apples).
The Rogers Park Community Response Team is working with local food pantries and restaurants for CPS families in need of food assistance. Those in need can contact the response team’s hotline at 773-831-7668.
A small group of people are giving away prepared and canned food 1-3 p.m. Monday ay 3000 N. Kedzie Ave.
39th Ward Alderman Samantha Nugent’s office is also working with neighbors in need of food assistance. Please call her office at 773-736-5594 if you or someone you know is in need.
New Life Community Church at 3729 W. Leland Ave. is giving out food, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Mexican restaurant Mi Tocaya — in partnership with Logan Square Neighborhood Association and The Power of 10 initiative — is giving out free meals to Logan Square families in need each week. On Tuesday, the giveaways start at 11 a.m. at Monroe Elementary, 3651 W. Schubert Ave. Check lsna.net for a full pickup schedule.
Teachers and staff at Brentano Math & Science Academy, 2723 N. Fairfield Ave., are giving out food. Contact: (773) 534-4100

Get Your Stimulus Check

GetMyPaymentIL.org can help take you get your stimulus payment as quickly as possible.

Most Illinoisans are eligible for Economic Impact Payments from the federal government. Even if you have no income you are eligible, but you might have to take action to receive your check.

You could receive up to $1,200 ($2,400 for a married couple) and $500 for each eligible dependent.

GetMyPaymentIL.org can help take you through each step so you can get your payment as quickly as possible. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to secure your stimulus check and answers common questions you may have.

Go to Getmypaymentil.org

Also, the recently IRS announced that it will begin adding 3,500 telephone representatives to answers questions about stimulus checks. People can call (800) 919-9835 with their stimulus check related questions.

GetMyPaymentIL.org Flyer:

(Updated) P-EBT: Relief for Households with School-Aged Children

Illinois’ Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program (P-EBT) will provide 316,000 Illinois households with additional funds to replace the meals children can’t access while schools are closed via LINK cards.

UPDATE: The P-EBT application deadline in Illinois has been extended to August 31st!

For more information about recent P-EBT and SNAP updates this August, please see this blog post.

P-EBT Application Guide

Due to COVID-19, schools across Illinois have been closed. As a result, families with children who got meals at school have been deprived of food.

In response, Illinois’ Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program (P-EBT) is providing 316,000 Illinois households with additional funds to replace the meals children can’t access while schools are closed.

Families have to apply for SNAP or P-EBT by ~~July 15th~~ August 31st to get any P-EBT. The state will no longer accept P-EBT applications after August 31st. Note: Previously, the deadline to apply for P-EBT was July 15th. That deadline was extended by IDHS.

Note: When applying for P-EBT, you are not required to enter a Social Security Number (SSN)! The application will ask for your SSN, but this is optional. However, inputting your SSN (if you have one) will allow your application to be processed more quickly.

A Visual Guide to Applying for P-EBT

How much will families receive?

A Visual Guide to Applying for P-EBT

Illinois P-EBT Guide (English and Spanish)Download

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How much will families receive?

UPDATE: For families who were enrolled in free and reduced price meals in March, if they enroll in SNAP or P-EBT in June, they will get P-EBT benefits retroactive to March – approximately $342 worth of benefits.
- CPS families are automatically enrolled in free and reduced price meals. Therefore, all CPS families are eligible to receive P-EBT benefits retroactive to March.
P-EBT provides an EBT card that can be used at authorized retailers to offset the cost of meals that would have been consumed at school.
P-EBT provides the value of school meals at the rate of $5.70 per child per school day.

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Who is eligible?

All CPS families qualify for P-EBT Benefits, but must submit an application for P-EBT if they are not enrolled in SNAP!

Households with children enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals, or with a child attending a school that provides all meals for free, can apply directly for P-EBT.
Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty guideline but who are not receiving SNAP or free or reduced-price school meals should first call their child’s school to enroll in free or reduced-price meals and then apply for P-EBT.
- CPS families do not need to do this. They should apply directly for P-EBT.
Current SNAP participants are automatically eligible for P-EBT and should see the benefit increase on their LINK card.

P-EBT will be in place until August 31st.

Info for Immigrants and Refugees:

The public charge test does not consider receipt of P-EBT benefits. Using P-EBT benefits will not impact a parent or child’s immigration status.
Undocumented households with school-aged children are eligible for P-EBT.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is not required to apply for P-EBT. The application asks applicants for their SSN, but this is an optional question.

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How can I apply?

The deadline to apply for P-EBT in Illinois is now August 31st.
Current and newly approved SNAP recipients will automatically see these benefits deposited on their LINK Card.
Those not currently on SNAP will have to complete a simplified application and if approved will be mailed a LINK card. This application can be completed through the ABE Online Application system. Approved applicants will receive a LINK card in the mail.

To apply for P-EBT directly through IDHS, use the ABE Online Application system or call 800-843-6154. There’s also a paper application that can be filled out and faxed or emailed to IDHS – links to the paper application can be found below.

If you have any questions for IDHS, issues applying, or are wrongfully denied P-EBT benefits, you can contact IDHS by emailing dhs.fcs.pebt@illinois.gov.

Legal Aid Chicago can help you apply for P-EBT!

Call them at (312) 347-8342 for help.
Assistance is available in all languages (including Spanish).
For more information on Legal Aid Chicago’s Public Benefits Helpline, click here.

The Illinois Hunger Coalition can also help you apply for P-EBT!

Call them at 1-800-359-2163 for help.
Assistance is available in multiple languages (including Spanish).
For more information on the Illinois Hunger Coalition’s Hunger Hotline, click here.

More Info from idhs

Apply online

PAper Application

aplicación de papel en español

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Updates to this Post

Updated 8/5/20 with P-EBT application deadline extension to August 31st.
Updated 6/23/20 with IDHS P-EBT email address and Illinois Hunger Hotline for help with P-EBT applications in most languages.
Updated 6/19/20 with new deadline: July 15th 2020. Also clarified the fact that applicants are not required to use a Social Security Number.
Updated 6/8/20 with info about retroactive benefits and applying by June 30th
Updated 5/26/2020 with info about how to apply and graphics in Spanish and English

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Growing Home Job Training Program Accepting Applications

Growing Home’s urban organic farm is currently hiring for its Production Assistant job training program.

Growing Home’s urban organic farm is currently hiring for its Production Assistant job training program.

Based in Englewood, Growing Home is Chicago’s leading expert in farm-based training for people with employment barriers. They know that, when people have jobs, they have economic stability in their lives; this stability allows for healthy people and families. And when communities have access to healthy food options, the overall well-being and health of the residents improves.

Growing Home’s job training program combines time spent working on the on-site urban farm with lessons on work readiness and environmental literacy, an emotional resilience curriculum, and ongoing support for career success post-graduation.

Program Highlights:

Applicants who are accepted begin with a job training program that pays $16/hour for 16-20 hours per week.
The job training program will be via remote learning due to COVID-19.
Applicants must be 18 years or older, unemployed, and Chicago residents.
Participants are meant to transition into permanent, full-time employment after graduation.

Program participants also have opportunities to earn professional certifications, gain access to free legal consultation for record sealing and expungement, and receive the support of a case manager available to provide referrals for supportive services.

Last Day to Submit an Application: Friday, June 12^th 2020

See this link for more details and check out the flyers below!

Apply now

Job Training Program Flyers

Growing Home 2020 Job Training Program Cohort 2 Flyer Download

Production Assistant Job Description Download

Unemployment Benefits Now Available to Gig Workers, 1099 Workers, and other Nontraditional Workers

Nontraditional workers whose businesses have been shuttered by the stay at home order can now apply for unemployment benefits through the State of Illinois’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program.

The information below was adapted from this article by Block Club Chicago.

Those who qualify for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program must first file a regular unemployment claim online or over the phone. Governor Pritzker has recommended people file online.

Once the regular unemployment claim is denied by the regular system, the applicant can then apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program.

Click here for the Block Club Chicago article on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program.