PM 03-25-05: How to Meet the Work Requirement

WAG 03-25-05.

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 10/31/2025 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.

How to Meet the Work Requirement

To meet the Work Requirement a person must:

  • work (paid or unpaid) an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month); or
  • volunteer to take part and comply with one of the following SNAP E&T activities, if available: Basic Education, Vocational Training, Work Experience, Community Workfare, Earnfare; or
  • do self-initiated Community Service with a community-based organization for an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) to meet the SNAP Work Requirement; or
  • any combination of the above.

Note: Participation in SNAP E&T is voluntary, but the individual must still perform the activity for the required number of hours to meet the Work Requirement. Community Workfare is based on the household's SNAP benefit amount divided by the State minimum wage revised text($15.00). Community Workfare placement can only be done through a SNAP E&T Provider.

Note: A Provider or outside entity may do a reverse referral to the FCRC.

ABAWD Definition of Working

For a person subject to the SNAP Work Requirement, work is defined as one of the following:

  • Work in Exchange for Money

    • An individual who is employed or self-employed working 30 hours or more per week or earning weekly wages at least equal to the Federal minimum wage ($7.25) multiplied by 30 hours is exempt from the SNAP Work Requirement.
    • An individual who is employed or self-employed working an average of 20 hours per week (80 hours monthly) or earning at least the Federal minimum wage ($7.25) multiplied by 80 hours ($7.25 x 80) = $580 is meeting the Work Requirement by working the required number of hours. The individual must report when their hours fall below 20 hours per week.
  • Work in Exchange for Goods or Services (in kind)
    • Receipt of income in kind meets the Work Requirement if a person is actively engaged in work for 80 hours or more per month.
  • Unpaid Work
    • Volunteer work and community service for the required number of hours per month meets the Work Requirement.

SNAP E&T Voluntary Program

  • SNAP E&T provider slots are not held open specifically for an individual (ABAWD) who is subject to the Work Requirement. Any SNAP recipient may volunteer to participate in the SNAP E&T Voluntary Program, except a SNAP recipient who receives TANF. Provider slots are filled on a first come, first served basis. The SNAP E&T Program is an available option for those individuals who are required to meet the Work Requirement. Participation in the program is voluntary.

SNAP E&T Sanction

SNAP E&T sanction policy is no longer imposed on a customer who does not comply with a SNAP E&T activity. A customer is subject to a countable (unmet) month of Time-Limited Benefits if they fail to meet the Work Requirement for the month.

Work Provision Sanction

A work sanction may still be imposed when a customer who is nonexempt from the Work Provisions is noncompliant (PM 03-15-01).