ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (IDHS) - Food Stamps/SNAP

Address

2000 North Lewis Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60087

(800) 843-6154

www.dhs.state.il.us

Service Hours
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

AKA:

LINK

Description:

Important Notice: SNAP benefits will be impacted by the federal government shutdown starting in November:

- November SNAP benefits will likely be delayed if the federal government shutdown continues. There is currently no indication that the shutdown will end soon.

- October SNAP benefits are not impacted, and based on what we know, the funds can continue to be used into the future. However, there is a chance that EBT cards may be temporarily frozen after November 1; if that turns out to be the case, we will update this information.

- Supplemental Nutrition Benefit (SNB) and Transitional Nutrition Benefit (TNB) are not impacted and will issue as normal.

- TANF benefits are not affected at this time.

- Clients do not need to reapply or take any action; benefits will automatically be issued when federal funding becomes available.

- SNAP applications, Semi Annual Reports (SAR 7s), and recertifications will continue to be processed as usual. All recipients are encouraged to keep their eligibility up to date.
IDHS began direct outreach (via text and email) to SNAP households last night and the messaging will continue through October 25 (Saturday).


For more information and updates, visit the SNAP Federal Impact Center online:
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=174038

Last updated: 10/24/2025




Provides residents with an Illinois Link card to purchase groceries in participating stores. Households can buy a designated amount of food based on income and household size. SNAP benefits can be used to buy:
- Any food or food product for human consumption
- Seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food

Benefits cannot be used to buy:
- Hot foods ready to eat
- Food intended to be heated in the store
- Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the store
- Vitamins or medicine
- Pet foods
- Any nonfood items (except seeds and plants)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco

*Note: Emergency SNAP Benefits are ready in 5 days or less from the application date

Eligibility:

Must meet income requirement at or below 165% of the federal poverty level; see website for income chart

Languages:

Spanish

Program Fees:

No fee

Intake Process:

Call for assistance or visit website to apply

Documents Required:
-Photo ID
-Birth Certificate
-Proof of Income
-Proof of Residency
-Social Security Card

Contacts

Waukegan IDHS Office

Primary Contact

Program Contact Information

(847) 263-7778

Phone Numbers

IDHS Help Line, Toll Free

(800) 843-6154

IDHS Help Line, Spanish

(847) 263-6059

TTY

(866) 322-3172

Address Listings

Mailing

2000 North Lewis Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60087

Physical (Primary)

2000 North Lewis Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60087

Handicap Accessible?

Yes

Wishlist:

None

Volunteer Opportunities:

None

Date of Official Change:

July 24, 2025

Related Resource

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    • Lake County
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