Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will have to reapply for benefits following the re-opening of the government in attempts to combat “fraud,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.
Rollins said SNAP, meant to be a nutrition lifeline for financially struggling households, was among the first priorities she targeted for review, citing concerns about eligibility and oversight in an interview with Newsmax on Nov. 13.
“Make sure that everyone that’s taking a taxpayer-funded benefit through … food stamps, that they literally are vulnerable and they can’t survive without it,” she said.
But how do you reapply for benefits in Illinois? Here’s what we know.
What is SNAP?
SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food. The program is typically run by state public assistance agencies through their local offices.
How rare is SNAP fraud?
During the Newsmax interview, Rollins claimed preliminary data from 29 states showed more than 186,000 “deceased” individuals are “receiving a check” through SNAP. However, benefits are distributed on electronic cards, not checks.
Fraud happens in three primary ways, according to the USDA: applicants misrepresenting income or identity, retailers trading benefits for cash or unapproved items, or criminals stealing benefits by scanning or cloning EBT cards.
The U.S. Congressional Research Service described SNAP fraud as “rare” in an April 7 report, saying available data and reports show a large number of overpayments can be attributed to unintentional errors. USA TODAY has reached out to the USDA and the White House to request more information about the fraud allegations.
Who’s eligible for SNAP benefits?
SNAP provides cash cards known as Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) to approximately 12% of Americans for a limited time to help purchase basic food items. A large number of recipients are elderly, disabled or children.
To qualify, households must be at or below 130% of the poverty line, meaning they make up to 30% more than the federal poverty guideline, which in 2025 was $15,650 for a single person, $26,650 for a three-person household, and $37,650 for a five-person household.
A one-person household had a maximum monthly allotment of $298 in 2025, while a three-person household could get a maximum of $785 and a five-person household could receive $1,183, according to the USDA. There are special additional rules for households with elderly or disabled members.
SNAP benefits are determined by states and funded by the USDA. Recipients must recertify regularly to maintain eligibility. Typically, benefits can only be provided for 3 months within a 36-month period, unless additional work-related requirements apply. Approved recipients are given a finite timeline to access their benefits.
Reapplying vs recertifying for SNAP
Participants must recertify their information at least every 6 months, depending on the state and their status. They must report any changes to household status, income, medical needs, work history, and other personal information.
Reapplying entirely, as Rollins has suggested, is a more intense, time-consuming and costly process than recertifying. States are now responsible for a higher share of administrative costs to maintain and distribute benefits under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” meaning nearly 42 million Americans reapplying from scratch would impose a burden on personnel and administrative costs.
The process can sometimes be done online, depending on the state. Still, it entails completing an online application and submitting pertinent documents such as proof of identity and citizenship, proof of residence, proof of income and household expenses, medical expenses, and the like. Applicants must then complete an eligibility interview, wait for state verification and then wait for a decision from the state, which typically takes about 30 days.
Recertifying is an abbreviated version of this process, focusing on confirming current eligibility and updating information already in the system. Typically, recipients complete a shorter form, submit fresh documentation of household status and any changes, and, in some states, complete another brief interview.
Though the process is more straightforward, it is necessary. Those who do not recertify benefits in time no longer receive them and have to reapply entirely.
Re-applying for SNAP in Illinois
Illinois residents can re-apply for SNAP by filling out the Application for Benefits Eligibility on the Department of Human Services website.
Applicants can submit their signed applications online, over the phone or in-person at their local Family Community Resource Center. Applications can also be faxed or mailed to DHS centers.
After receiving the signed application, the DHS office will ask applicants to come to the office for an interview or participate in one over the phone. Applicants will be asked to provide various types of documents such as:
When will SNAP benefits resume?
The IDHS says on its website that it’s working to resume the distribution of full benefits now that the government has re-opened.
“We anticipate that the remaining benefit payments will be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20,” the site says. “Customers should continue applying and managing their cases as normal.”
Contributing: Michael Collins, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: USDA says SNAP recipients must re-apply for benefits. How to do it in Illinois
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
