PM 03-25-00: SNAP Work Requirement

WAG 03-25-00

SNAP Work Requirement

Effective 07/01/2022, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) waiver approval allows the entire State to continue to be exempt from the SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy in this section through new manual material10/31/2024 based on Illinois' high unemployment rate. For more information about the State's operation under COVID-19 see WAG 25-06-07-p.

The SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy below is NOT in effect for any county in the State through revised manual; text10/31/2024.

SNAP Benefits for 3 Months

Employable persons age 18-49, who are considered able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) are limited to only 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period, if the SNAP Work Requirement is not met (PM 03-25-02).   A SNAP application prorated benefit month does not count towards the 3 months. A person must either meet the Work Requirement monthly or qualify for an exemption to continue to receive SNAP.

3-Year Fixed Period

The 36-month period in Illinois is a fixed 3-year period that began January 1, 2021 and ends December 31, 2023. A new 3-year fixed period will begin 01/01/2024 and end 12/31/2026.

County of Residence/Office of Choice

  • SNAP Work Requirement applies to the SNAP household's county of residence, regardless of Office of Choice and only to those counties identified as non-waived.
  • The Office of Choice will work with the FCRC in the county of residence in determining and monitoring the eligibility of a SNAP household with a member that is required to meet the Work Requirement.

Voluntary SNAP E&T Participation

  • Illinois has transitioned to a voluntary SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T). All SNAP recipients may volunteer to participate in SNAP E&T on a first come, first served basis, except a SNAP recipient who receives TANF.
  • An individual who was once mandatory for SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) participation is no longer required to participate but may volunteer for the program. Volunteering to participate in SNAP E&T is an available option for an individual who must comply with the SNAP Work Requirement.