Illinois updating cost of living, utility standards for SNAP benefits

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Department of Human Services has updated some of the eligibility requirements for people to receive SNAP benefits. Agency officials told the top committee of state lawmakers Tuesday that DHS is adjusting the standards based on what low-income families pay for utilities.

The amount of SNAP benefits people receive each month is based on the size of their household, income and expenses. Caseworkers decide allowable expenses by adding the amount charged for rent or mortgage, property taxes, home insurance and utility bills among other payments.

DHS leaders explained the new utility standards for eligibility will allow families to get their benefits faster.

"If we were to allow the customers to verify expenses, we would have to give them a request for the verifications, wait for them to come back and then process," said Terri Kulhan, a senior administrator from the DHS division of family community services. "So, you can understand it's a hardship possibly on the customer themselves."

Kulhan said the department dropped the air conditioning and heating standard to $532 while the limited utility standard increased to $445. Households only paying one utility bill per month will see the standard increase to $76. DHS also lowered the telephone utility standard to $65.

"Maybe they're paying rent and they only have a phone bill," Kulhan said. "So, they get the average phone allowance that we've come up with."

The agency used data from the U.S. Department of Information Administration that shows averages for utility costs by state. Although, lawmakers on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules said stakeholders may find it difficult to understand how the deduction formulas were determined.

"Is there a way forward that is able to provide further clarity," asked Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). "Is there a rulemaking activity or a public comment activity that could be useful in providing further clarity for stakeholders and those receiving assistance?"

DHS officials said they will provide more transparency for stakeholders with any questions.

The policy changes for the Illinois SNAP program were filed on October 1. Members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will continue to monitor the changes.