Overview
- Illinois officials estimate roughly 150,000 people could start losing SNAP benefits beginning Friday, May 1, under newly enforced federal work rules.
- The rules require most able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 to log at least 80 hours a month of work, approved training, or volunteer service to stay eligible.
- The expansion that took effect in February now also covers adults ages 55 to 64 and parents whose youngest child is 14 or older.
- State guidance urges people who may qualify for exemptions, such as pregnancy or caring for children under 14, to update status and work details through the Illinois Department of Human Services portal or help line.
- Food banks and small grocers warn of ripple effects, with the Greater Chicago Food Depository saying SNAP supplies nine meals for every one it provides and a Forest Park market reporting about one-third of its customers use the program.