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Changes to SNAP Work Requirements

What is Happening?

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new federal law that requires people between the ages of 18 and 64 to meet work requirements in order to receive SNAP benefits. There are several ways to meet work requirements. While most SNAP participants need to meet the requirements, some individuals may qualify for an exemption. Illinois and all other states are now required to implement the changes.

When Will it Happen?

The State of Illinois is waiting for guidance from the federal government about when it will be required to apply the new eligibility requirements to SNAP beneficiaries in Illinois.

For now, SNAP customers should continue managing their cases as normal. Check this page regularly for the latest updates.

How Could This Impact Me?

SNAP participants between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not qualify for an exemption must work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month or participate in certain training or education to receive SNAP benefits.

If you do not meet the work requirements, you will only be able to receive SNAP benefits for a total of three months during any three year period.

You can become eligible to receive SNAP benefits again if you prove that you met the work requirements or prove that you qualify for an exemption.

What Next Steps Should I Take?

SNAP participants should take three steps:

  1. Determine whether you are subject to work requirements or whether you qualify for an exemption.
  2. If you ARE subject to work requirements, make sure you understand how to meet the requirements.
  3. Report your current information correctly to the Illinois Department of Human Services to make sure that your exemption and/or work activities are accurately recorded so you can maintain your benefits.

Read more about each step below.

1. Determine Whether You Are Subject to Work Requirements

SNAP participants between the ages of 18 and 64 are now subject to work requirements. Generally, the following people are exempt from work requirements:

 

  • People younger than 18 or older than 64;
  • A parent or other member of a household that includes a child under age 14;
  • People who are medically certified as physically or mentally unable to work;
  • People who are pregnant;
  • Some Native Americans;
  • A parent or other member of a household with responsibility for the care of an incapacitated
    person;
  • A regular participant in a drug addiction or alcoholic
    treatment and rehabilitation program
2. Understand How to Meet Work Requirements

To meet the work requirements a person must:

 

  • Work (paid or unpaid) an average of 20 hours per week; OR
  • Volunteer to take part and comply with a SNAP Employment and Training activity such as basic
    education, vocational training, work experience, community workfare, Earnfare; OR
  • Do self-initiated community service with a community-based organization for an average of 20
    hours per week; OR
  • Any combination of the above.
3. Report Current Household Information

Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services to understand what household changes must be reported and when they need to be reported. You need to report all your current information correctly when you apply and when you complete your redetermination. This will make sure that you get the right amount of benefits each month.

 

Contact one of the Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC) or call 1-800-843-6154.

Where Can I Find More Information?

Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website to learn more about recent federal policy changes and how they may impact your SNAP eligibility and benefits.

FAQs

To learn more about the federal legislation that made changes to SNAP and other public benefit programs, you can watch a recorded briefing on this topic with State of Illinois leaders. You can also read the presentation slides.

For a Spanish language summary of this page, please review this Illinois Department of Human Services fact sheet.