If you're struggling to make ends meet, there are several ways to apply for Cash, SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), and Medical Assistance in Illinois. Once approved, you'll receive an EBT card that can be used to purchase groceries at participating stores. However, it's not uncommon for EBT cards to be rejected when trying to pay for certain items.

In some cases, your EBT card may show up as an accepted payment method, but this doesn't necessarily mean that it will work every time. For instance, even with Apple Pay, you'll only be able to use your EBT card to purchase products that are accepted by the SNAP program. This is because not all states or mobile payment apps support this feature yet.

To apply for Snap (Food Stamps) and Medical Assistance in Illinois, follow these steps:

1. Review your information carefully before tapping 'Done.'

2. Enter your EBT card number and PIN.

3. Tap 'Next' to complete the application process.

The Department of Human Services will determine eligibility for SNAP using a variety of factors, including information provided in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

As of August 22, 2017, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is required to identify and flag all college students who may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.

To add your EBT card to Apple Pay on an iOS device, follow these steps:

1. Open Wallet on your device.

2. Tap the '+' button.

3. Enter your EBT card number and PIN.

4. Tap 'Next' to complete the process.

It's worth noting that not all states or mobile payment apps support this feature yet. In practice, some people have reported mixed results when trying to use Apple Pay with their EBT card, including merchant issues.

Starting late Spring of 2022, Illinois has elected to participate in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows specific qualifying households to use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot meals at participating restaurants. Currently, several states officially support SNAP EBT, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Vermont.

Apple cannot control what states will support Apple Pay/Apple Wallet, but it's worth noting that the company can't guarantee that your EBT card will work every time you try to make a purchase. In the meantime, if you're struggling to access SNAP benefits or have questions about the application process, it's best to contact the Illinois Department of Human Services directly for assistance.

References:

* Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). (2017, August 22). ISAC Required to Identify and Flag College Students Eligible for SNAP Benefits.

* Illinois Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Apply for Cash, SNAP, and Medical Assistance.

* Apple Support. (n.d.). Add your EBT card to Apple Pay.

Apply for snap benefits in illinois