FRESH PROGRAM
The Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program is a temporary emergency cash support for people in Illinois who saw a loss or reduction of SNAP benefits due to new work requirements.
THE FRESH PROGRAM IN ILLINOIS
The Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) is a temporary program established by the State of Illinois to provide a one-time cash benefit to households whose SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated as a result of one or more individuals in the SNAP household failing to meet the Federal SNAP Work Requirement.
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PARA INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL SOBRE EL PROGRAMA FRESH HAZ CLIC AQUÍ
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FRESH BENEFITS?
SNAP recipients who saw a loss or reduction of benefits on or after May 1st, specifically because of not meeting the newly imposed SNAP work requirements may be eligible for FRESH benefits.
SNAP recipients who have used their 3 countable months for receiving benefits without meeting the work requirement or qualifying for an exemption; and who have not regained their SNAP benefits or had their SNAP benefits reinstated.
Eligible SNAP recipients can receive FRESH benefits even if other members of their household continue receiving SNAP. There is no limit to the number of individuals in a household that can receive the FRESH program benefit.
There is no application process for FRESH. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) maintains records of eligible individuals and will contact those individuals directly.
WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FRESH BENEFITS?
Individuals who have regained SNAP benefits, are NOT presently eligible for FRESH. They can become eligible for FRESH if they lose benefits while the program is still active.
Individuals who have benefits impacted for reasons other than the work requirements will NOT be eligible for FRESH.
HOW ARE FRESH BENEFITS DISTRIBUTED?
Issuance of benefits will begin in August 2026.
Payments will be deposited as a cash benefit on eligible individual’s Illinois Link Card. These funds can be spent where Link is accepted or withdrawn as cash at an ATM. If you need a new Link card, you can request one by visiting www.EBTedge.com or calling 1-800-678-LINK(5465).
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will reach out to eligible individuals at their most updated contact information. Individuals should check their mail or contact IDHS directly if they feel they may be eligible for FRESH benefits.
For people who had benefits impacted in August or later, payments will be provided in the same month the loss or reduction of SNAP occurred.
Funding for the FRESH Program will be available through June 30, 2027 or until available funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.
LOST SNAP? YOU HAVE OPTIONS.
If you lost SNAP or experienced a reduction in benefits, you have the right to re-apply or appeal the decision.
Appeals can help you recover any benefits you missed. Get help with your appeal or re-apply by talking with one of our Benefits Specialists today.