PM 03-25-01: Who Must Meet the SNAP Work Requirement

WAG 03-25-01

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 10/31/2024 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 October 31, 2024.

Who Must Meet the Work Requirement

An able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) who is:

  • age 18 through 52; and
  • receives SNAP benefits; and 
  • does not qualify for an exemption.

Who is Exempt from the Work Requirement

A person is exempt from the Work Requirement if they are:

  • under age 18 or 53 years of age or older; or
  • physically or mentally unable to work; or
  • pregnant; or
  • living in a SNAP household (purchase and prepare) with a child under age 18, even if the child is ineligible for SNAP; or
  • homeless as defined in PM 06-04-02. Being homeless does not exempt a person from the Work Provisions in PM 03-15-02; or
  • a veteran as defined in WAG 03-25-01; or
  • revised manual textage 24 and younger and was in a foster care program at the time of their 18th birthday as defined in WAG 03-25-01; or
  • otherwise exempt from the SNAP Work Provisions in PM 03-15-02; or
  • residing in a waived (exempt) county.