Important SNAP Resources

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has some important links and resources to share with you regarding SNAP. There are big changes to the program that will impact those you serve and support. Quick action may be needed to protect their coverage. We welcome your help to amplify this message and your ideas to mitigate the loss of coverage from any eligible individuals and families.

Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) referred to adults ages 18-54 years old, who had no disabilities and no children under 18 living at home.Veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and people who were homeless were exempted from this designation.

The federal budget bill (H.R. 1) changed the definition of ABAWD, dramatically increasing the number of people who must meet or seek an exemption from work requirements. The new definition includes people ages 55-64 years old with no disabilities and people with children at home who are only 14 years or older and does away with the previous exemptions for people who are homeless, Veterans, and youth aging out of foster care.

As a result of new federal policy, on February 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period before losing eligibility. In Illinois, the current 3-year period ends December 31, 2026.

That means beginning May 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements could lose benefits.

• SNAP customers can use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements.
• Additionally, our partners at the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) have created a toolkit to share information via social media, presentations, and flyers. This is meant to be used before February 1. Find it here: GCFD ‘SNAP Rules are Changing’ Advocacy Toolkit

• • If you prefer to share this information without the GCFD logo, find those materials here: SNAP Rules Are Changing: Outreach Materials — A Roadmap to End Hunger in Illinois

• IDHS will also continue to provide updates with customers and the general public through a variety of channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and our website: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to inform the public of these changes and keep SNAP customers enrolled and fed.

Best,

Team IDHS