MR# 24.05 SNAP Work Requirement - New 3-Year Period

02/05/2024

Summary

• This manual release updates the 3-year fixed period for the SNAP Work Requirement in the Cash, Medical and SNAP policy manual.
• The new 3-year fixed period in Illinois begins 01/01/2024 and ends 12/31/2026.

• The entire State of Illinois continues to be exempt from implementing the SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy through 10/31/2024.
• Systematic changes are being made to the Integrated Eligibility System (IES) to the SNAP Time-Limited Clock screen.

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SNAP Work Requirement - New 3-Year Period

The SNAP Work Requirement limits an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18-52 years old to 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period. In Illinois, the new 36-month period is a fixed 3-year period that begins 01/01/2024 and ends 12/31/2026. The entire State of Illinois continues to be exempt from implementing the SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy due to Illinois' high unemployment rate. Waiver approval was granted by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) beginning 11/01/2023 and continues to be extended through 10/31/2024.

NOTE: Family Community Resource Centers (FCRCs) should not be enforcing the SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy. Staff will be notified if there is a change in this policy. Although the SNAP Work Requirement is not in effect, the SNAP Work Provisions are still in place.

IES System Changes

The SNAP Time-Limited Clock screen in IES will be systematically updated to reflect the new 3-year period.  The entire State is currently exempt from the SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy through 10/31/2024.  The FCRCs will be notified prior to implementation of any policy changes and system related changes in a separate manual release.

Manual Revisions

[signed copy on file]

Dulce M. Quintero

Secretary Designate, Illinois Department of Human Services

Forms Referenced