CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones, III announced Tuesday that eligible SNAP recipients will receive additional benefits beginning this week. 

“All families, especially ones with low-incomes, need support more than ever,” Jones (D-Chicago) said. “Many people were laid off their jobs, so it’s essential for them to know that they have more funds to still feed their families during this pandemic.”

More than 450,000 Illinois residents will receive additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The increased amount will automatically load onto their link cards. Link card holders do not need to call or visit an office. All new applications authorized in April will also receive the maximum allotment for their household size.

SNAP households that are not currently receiving the maximum allowance will receive additional SNAP benefits. Households already receiving the maximum benefit will not receive additional benefits. 

Maximum amounts per household size:

Number in SNAP household	Maximum benefit
1	$194
2	$355
3	$509
4	$646
5	$768
6	$921
7	$1,018
8	$1,164
Each additional person	Add $146

Illinois SNAP recipients receive their benefits at different times each month, so increased SNAP benefits will be loaded on different dates for SNAP recipients.

Jones urges residents with questions or concerns to give his office a call at 773-995-7748. 

CHAMPAIGN – With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus continuing to rise in Illinois, Governor Pritzker issued an extension of the Stay at Home Order until the end of April. State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is sharing resources with community members on how to manage their mental health while at home.

“Mental health is vital during this challenging time,” Bennett said. “As we face uncertainty about the coronavirus, there are measures we can take to stay calm.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Champaign has a hotline at 217-​419-5345 and a textline for support. Text NAMI to 741741 for anyone who may experience a mental health crisis.

Senator Bennett encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:​

• Connect with friends and family online,
• Keep regular work hours while at home,
• Prepare healthy meals,
• Exercise regularly, and
• Stay up to date with accurate information.

“There are still ways to keep up with family and friends while respecting social distance,” Bennett said. “It’s important to maintain your relationships right now so that we can overcome this together.”

While Senator Bennett’s office is closed during the Stay at Home Order, staff can be reached at 217-355-5252 to assist with any state services. More resources for COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) announced Monday the expansion of support to childcare workers and other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Essential workers do not have the luxury of staying home during this crisis,” Jones said. “Doctors and nurses are working day in and day out so it’s important these childcare centers are sustained to support these essential employees."

All essential workers in health care, human services, essential government services, and essential infrastructure now qualify for the state’s Child Care Assistance. Most of the expenses of emergency childcare centers and homes will be covered. This expansion of eligibility includes those working as nurses and doctors, supporting staff in hospitals, grocery store clerks and food producers.