Food Stamps / SNAP / LINK Card

Food stamps are now called “SNAP” and a lot more stores take it than you’d think.

I’ve personally confirmed that Walgreens, CVS, Target, Trader Joe’s, Jewel, Mariano’s, Aldi’s, Walmart, and Whole Foods all take LINK. Some 7-11s and dollar stores do as well. Online I’ve seen BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Costco referenced as accepting LINK. Basically, if the store has a grocery section and takes credit cards, even if it’s not a grocery store (like Target for example), then they probably accept LINK.

Many local non-chain grocery stores also take the LINK card; you’ll just need to walk in or call and ask. Some bakeries and farmer’s markets may as well, so long as they accept credit cards.

In addition, you can use the LINK card to buy pre-made food, so long as it’s not heated. This means that in the deli section, you can use LINK to purchase the food that’s at room temperature or chilled, but not the food under a heat lamp. If you’re ever not sure, ask the manager or a cashier to confirm that the food item will be covered by the LINK card.

In response to a question I was asked, no, you can’t use LINK to buy dog or cat food, not unless you buy human food and feed it to your pets. However, there are free pet food pantries. You can, however, buy baking soda with LINK and use it to freshen kitty litter boxes.

Information on applying for food stamps (Food stamps are now called SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Food stamps (aka SNAP) eligibility calculator
Use this to figure out if you are eligible for food stamps (aka SNAP) and if so, how much you might get.

Information for once you get approved for food stamps (aka SNAP) and are given a LINK card

How does a LINK card work?
Basically, it works like a debit card and looks like one. If you are eligible for food stamps, the card will be reloaded with money every month on a set date, until you are found to not be eligible anymore. This determination is generally made by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and is based on if your earnings, income, economic resources, or living expenses have changed. If you run out of money on your LINK card, then your options are to pay using your own money or put the food item back on the shelf and visit a free food pantry if necessary.

Getting Medicaid When You’re Disabled

Eligibility

In Illinois, once you are certified as disabled by the federal government, that is, you are receiving Social Security Disability payments, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of income or assets depending on when you were certified as disabled. There is no further application process and you receive your medical card in the mail. In order to find out when you can expect the card, it might be a good idea to call and ask the caseworker who handled your Social Security Disability case.

In addition, once you are certified as disabled you may become eligible for Medicaid if you meet additional income and assets guidelines. Medicaid will help cover the costs of the Medicare premiums and co-pays. In this case, Medicare will become your primary insurance and Medicaid will be your secondary insurance.

Applying for Medicaid

However, you don’t automatically get Medicaid; you have to apply for it first.

Working with DHS offices can be very time consuming and difficult. While applications can be done online or by mail, if you have the time, it is generally best to go in person. Otherwise, when you follow-up on your application, you may find that DHS has no record of it and thus has not considered your case. By waiting in line and submitting the application in person, you can at least be assured that it got there.

It should also be noted that the Wicker Park DHS office has a tendency to not return calls, so if you are seeking to follow-up on your case, it is best to go in-person. The same is true if you need to reschedule an appointment. For each visit to this location, plan to allot at least forty-five minutes if you need drop off something and at least two to three hours if you need to speak to someone unless you have an appointment.

Once You Have Medicaid

Your Medicaid card will come monthly in the mail. It is actually a large slip of paper and not business card-sized. Be sure to look out for each new card so as to make sure that your coverage has not been interrupted.

Questions I Would Greatly Appreciate Help With

1) Can you get Medicaid once you are receiving Social Security Disability payments or do you have to wait until you are enrolled in Medicare?

2) What conditions can people without children gain coverage for without having been first found disabled by Social Security?

3) What is the best way to get questions about Medicaid
answered? While it is often easy to talk to a live person when calling Medicare, it is more difficult to do this when calling Medicaid.

If you’ve applied to or are enrolled in Medicaid, please feel free to leave comments about your experiences.

Thresholds – Dincin Center for Recoveries

Dincin Center for Recoveries
2700 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 537-3215 ‎
http://www.thresholds.org

Thresholds has many free programs for people with mental illness. One of them is a community center called the Dincin Center.

Dincin Center doesn’t have its own website but if you call or go in you can find out about what programs are going on that day, which generally include mental health groups, free cooked meals, and an activity. The building is really old and the offices a bit dreary, but the people inside are generally friendly. There is a lot of area to hang out or sit quietly by yourself. The building also contains a computer room with printers, an activity room with a large TV, a craft room, a piano, a pool table, a washer and dryer, and a free clothing room that could use some organizing. Available on-site are other services including case management and employment support.

The Dincin Center serves only people with mental illness. To get a case manager you have to attend groups and come in several times a week. After this, you can become a member and gain access to other services.