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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?

Starting February 1, 2026, the State of Illinois will be required to apply new work requirements to SNAP beneficiaries in Illinois.

SNAP recipients who are subject to work requirements but do not take steps to meet work requirements could lose benefits starting May 1, 2026.

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;
  • People who are medically certified as physically or mentally unable to work;
  • People currently receiving, or who have applied for, unemployment benefits;
  • People who are enrolled in a school or training program at least half time;
  • People experiencing chronic homelessness;
  • AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers;
  • People who are pregnant;
  • A parent or other member of a household that includes a child under age 14;
  • A person with main responsibility for the care of a child under the age of 6 who lives outside of your home;
  • A person with main responsibility for the care of an incapacitated or disabled person;
  • People who are an Alaska Native, American Indian, American Urban Indian, or California Indian;
  • A regular participant in a drug addiction or alcoholic
    treatment and rehabilitation program (not including AA or NA)

 

Complete the ABE SNAP Work Requirements screener to confirm which work requirements you need to meet for SNAP and what actions you should take.

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. Work can be for pay, for goods or services, unpaid, or as a volunteer; OR
  • Participate in a work program at least 80 hours per month. A work program could be SNAP Employment and Training or another federal, state, or local work program; OR
  • Participate in workfare for the number of hours assigned to you each month. The number of hours will depend on the amount of your SNAP benefit; 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

If you believe you are exempt from work requirements, you can complete an Exemption Request form.

If you believe you are subject to work requirements, you can report that you are meeting the SNAP work requirements through Manage My Case or a Change Report form.

There are three ways to submit your forms:

  1. Submit your forms by uploading them to Manage My Case.
  2. Bring them in person to your local Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC).
  3. Mail them to Central Scanning Processing Unit, P.O. Box 19138, Springfield, IL 62794.

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.

You can also contact the Illinois Department of Human Services to understand what household changes must be reported and when they need to be reported. Contact one of the Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC) or call 1-800-843-6154.

FAQs

Watch a webinar recording from the Illinois Commission to End Hunger from November 21, 2025 to learn more about policy changes to SNAP and how you may be impacted as well as opportunities to take advocacy action.

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 from August 1, 2025. 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.