Full December SNAP benefits will be issued as normally scheduled.
The USDA Secretary made statements on December 2 about SNAP funding for states. At this time there is no threat to customer SNAP benefits as a result of these comments. IDHS will keep the public updated on any developments.
New SNAP ABAWD Work Requirements
Prior to the Trump Administration's budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) were defined as adults ages 18-54 with no "dependent" children under 18 and no disabilities.
But now, people in the following categories will also be forced to meet the new work requirements:
- Veterans
- individuals who are 55-64 years old
- homeless individuals
- ABAWDs whose at-home children are 14 years old or older
Starting February 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption may only receive benefits for three months during a three-year period.
All current and new ABAWDs have received both a courtesy and formal notice of these federal changes, along with a copy of the form to self-attest to being exempt.
Based on the new federal law and the current status in the courts, individuals not meeting the new requirements could lose benefits starting May 1, 2026.
New SNAP Noncitizen Eligibility Changes
At this time, IDHS is not implementing new federal changes to SNAP eligibility for noncitizens. The current federal guidance does not provide sufficient clarity or direction to implement the changes that were intended to begin on December 1 and at the time of re-determinations. Additionally, Illinois has joined a group of other states suing to halt any changes to noncitizen eligibility for SNAP. IDHS will continue to provide any updates on the lawsuit, federal guidance, and the implementation of federal changes impacting noncitizens on its website.
Noncitizens who are concerned about the status of their SNAP benefits can call the IDHS Customer Help Line at 1-800-843-6154.
