Illinois quick hits: Thieves take $3.5 million from SNAP; State starts pilot program to help unhoused people find jobs

Thieves take $3.5 million from SNAP

Millions of dollars in food assistance benefits have been stolen in Illinois by fraudsters using skimming devices. WGN-TV reports another $3.5 million was stolen from the program between April 1 to June 30. The latest numbers indicate that a total of $8.1 million has been stolen from the SNAP program in Illinois in less than a year. IDHS will soon be part of a pilot program that will replace LINK cards with a mobile pay option.

State starts pilot program to help unhoused people find jobs

The Illinois state government has started a two and a half year pilot program to help unhoused people find jobs. Officials said there will be a planning phase of up to six months and then followed by an 18-month implementation plan. Funding for the program comes from the general funds in the state budget. The General Assembly set aside money for employment and economic grants in the 2024 budget.

Secretary of State's office to allow payment via phone

Illinois Department of Motor Vehicle locations now allow drivers to pay for services with their phones. The introduction of contactless payment is the start of an effort to accommodate the move from physical to digital payment and services, according to officials with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Officials said the change will take effect inside all 150 DMV facilities throughout the state, which will accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.