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 State of Illinois to continue to be exempt from the SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy in this section through 10/31/2025 based on Illinois' high unemployment rate.

The SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy below is not in effect for any county in the State through 10/31/2025.

SNAP Benefits for 3 Months

Employable persons age revised text18-54, 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 begins 01/01/2024 and ends 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 customers 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.