DDD Communication | November 04, 2025

FEDERAL SNAP ANNOUNCEMENT

Updated 11/04/2025:

Please see the following important update on the federal government shutdown, including its impact on SNAP, and the continued operation of other Illinois assistance programs.

This summary reflects the most recent information provided as of November 04, 2025:

The Presidential Administration previously announced suspension of SNAP (food stamp) funding nationwide beginning November 1, 2025. On October 31, 2025, federal judgement required payment for these benefits. The court order allows for half of SNAP funding in the month of November be paid to states.

Due to the large impact, this decision affecting 42 million Americans, including 1.9 million Illinois residents (more than 11,000 of which reside in Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA)), the calculation of benefit is very complicated and could be delayed in issuance. Existing SNAP benefits already loaded on EBT cards remain able to be used until further notice.

All other state-administered programs, including Child Care Assistance Payments (CCAP), Women Infant and Children (WIC), Medicaid, Early Intervention, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), remain funded and will continue normal operations through November 2025. IDHS offices and providers will stay open, and regular provider payments are expected to continue at this time.

Governor Pritzker has signed Executive Order 2025-08 to strengthen state-level food assistance efforts. Illinois residents are encouraged to support local food banks through Feeding Illinois. Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) has created an opportunity to assist community members through "Step up to Serve." By signing up using the form below you will be added to a specific email group that ICDD staff will use to inform you as opportunities in your communities arise.

• Step Up to Serve: DD Community Food Access Volunteer Form

In summary: Only SNAP is affected at this time, while all other IDHS programs remain operational and funded. Benefits left on cards from previous months can still be used, but new benefits will be less than in prior months and will be delayed by the federal government. IDHS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve.

Additional Resources:

• Individuals can find updates and food resource assistance through the IDHS SNAP Federal Impact Center.
• Governor Pritzker signed an executive order to administer funding through Feeding Illinois.
  • Executive Order link: Executive Order 2025-08
  • State Newsroom announcement: Gov. Pritzker Signs Executive Order to Bolster Food Assistance for Illinoisans
• Partners can access communication materials via the SNAP Partner Toolkit (PDF).
• Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) has created an opportunity for "doers, donors, and volunteers" to remain on standby and alert for notification of community need through the program "Step up to Serve."
  • Sign up for Step Up to Serve: DD Community Food Access Volunteer Form

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that shares the basics of what you need to know about protecting your benefits when accepting gifts. Some are shared below, full list on their website (linked above).

• What does this mean for my benefits?
  • On November 01, 2025, scheduled SNAP payments were not issued. Any funds that were already available on EBT cards are still accessible until further notice. A reduced benefit is expected to be issued for the month of November, but the payment date has not yet been determined. Learn more and stay updated through the IDHS SNAP Federal Impact Center.

• Can I accept help getting food without it interrupting my SSI or other government benefit(s)?
  • You can seek temporary food assistance from places such as:
    • Local food banks or pantries
    • Faith-based organizations or nonprofits providing groceries or prepared meals
    • Friends or family who buy food and give it to you (without giving you money)
  • If you receive cash, checks, or gift cards, that money may count as income or assets under federal benefit rules. Consider keeping documentation of any gifts or food received during this time. If you are asked later how you survived without SNAP, you can show proof that food was given to you.

• Where can I find financial relief as a federal employee?
  • If you or your family are federal workers effected by the shutdown, please see this resource from the Illinois State Treasurer's Office: IL State Treasurer - Federal Bridge Loan Program
• Are IDHS Offices open while the Federal government is shut down?
  • Yes. Currently, the federal shutdown is not impacting CCAP, WIC, Medicaid, Early Intervention, and TANF through November 2025 for current IDHS customers. These regularly scheduled benefits will continue to be issued, and our offices will remain open and ready to assist you. Find your local office in the IDHS Office Locator.

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The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel. To request to be added to our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please complete our Contact Survey. Information provided will help us to better tailor communications to you in the future.

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