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SB 3277

SNAP-FRESH PROGRAM BENEFITS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Belt and 18 co-sponsors

Creates the FRESH program to give a one-time cash-like payment to households whose SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated due to not meeting work requirements.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 3277

Overview

SB 3277, introduced in the 104th Illinois General Assembly by Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr., would create the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program within the Illinois Public Aid Code. The program is designed to provide a one-time cash-like benefit to households whose SNAP benefits have been terminated or reduced due to members’ failure to meet federal SNAP work requirements. The bill imposes a temporary, self-contained support mechanism to address immediate hunger needs while maintaining SNAP eligibility rules.

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide temporary financial relief to households experiencing a loss or reduction of SNAP benefits caused by noncompliance with federal work requirements.
  • Offer a rapid, lump-sum FRESH payment to help stabilize household food security after SNAP changes.
  • Ensure transparency via ongoing reporting while avoiding complicating or increasing eligibility for other public aid programs.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of FRESH Program (305 ILCS 5/12-4.13f new).
  • Eligibility:
    • Available to households whose SNAP benefits are terminated or reduced due to one or more members not meeting federal SNAP work requirements.
    • Subject to available funding.
  • Payment Amounts:
    • For benefit reductions: a one-time lump sum equal to 3 times the difference between the prior monthly SNAP allotment and the reduced/monthly allotment after the change.
    • For benefit terminations: a one-time lump sum equal to 3 times the prior month’s SNAP allotment.
  • Applications:
    • Applications available online and at local Family and Community Resource Centers starting the first day after enactment.
    • Department may use existing data sources to limit required information in applications.
    • An application for FRESH benefits is not considered an application for other public aids.
    • If reductions/terminations occurred before the first full month post-enactment, FRESH benefits can be issued within 10 days after application if filed within specified windows (180 days for pre-enactment changes; 60 days for post-enactment changes).
  • Payment Method:
    • Benefits issued as cash transferred to the household’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
  • Data and Reporting:
    • Monthly public data on applications, approvals, and total FRESH benefits issued (excluding personally identifiable information).
    • Included in the department’s annual report to the General Assembly.
  • Interaction with Other Assistance:
    • FRESH benefits must be excluded from consideration when determining eligibility for other public assistance under the Code (i.e., does not affect eligibility for other aid).
  • Duration:
    • The act’s provisions are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028.
  • Effective date:
    • Act takes effect upon becoming law.

Who Is Affected

  • Households currently receiving or whose SNAP benefits are terminated or reduced due to noncompliance with federal work requirements.
  • Local Family and Community Resource Centers and the Illinois Department of Human Services, which administer the program.
  • Other public aid programs under the Public Aid Code, which are explicitly insulated from FRESH when calculating eligibility.

Timing and Procedure

  • Immediate accessibility: online and in-person applications available the first day after enactment.
  • Special timing windows govern issuance after application for changes that occurred before or after the enactment date.
  • Temporary program: terminates January 1, 2028, unless renewed or amended.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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