News

Press Releases

Please direct media inquiries to DHS.Press@illinois.gov

IDHS Public Notification About SNAP Benefits

CHICAGO - IDHS is restoring full USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended. IDHS anticipates that the remaining benefit payments will be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20.

November 13, 2025

Trump's Administration: SNAP Benefits Slated to be Cut Off on November 1

CHICAGO - Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have informed all states that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the federal government shutdown, now in its third week, continues. As a result, SNAP customers will not have access to any new food benefits starting on November 1, 2025, unless the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans re-open the government.

October 16, 2025

Illinois Celebrates National Recovery Month and Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker has issued two proclamations recognizing August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day and September as National Recovery Month in Illinois. These observances honor the lives lost to drug overdose, support people in recovery, and promote access to treatment and resources.

August 27, 2025

Gov. Pritzker Announces Launch of Legal Hotline and Resource Hub for LGBTQIA+ Community

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker announced yesterday the launch of IL Pride Connect, a new statewide resource hub and first of its kind legal hotline that expands access to legal information and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), in collaboration with community partners, will lead the initiative. Governor Pritzker made the announcement at an event Thursday evening hosted by the Legal Council for Health Justice.

August 22, 2025

Visit the IDHS Tent at the 2025 Illinois State Fair to Learn, Connect, and Explore Services

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is pleased to once again host a tent at the 2025 Illinois State Fair, sharing with fairgoers a variety of engaging and informational offerings. The tent is located behind the Emmerson Building and across from the Lincoln Stage. From food and medical assistance to behavioral health, youth programs, and more, IDHS is here to help fairgoers access the tools they need to lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. The IDHS tent aims to provide an inclusive and educational experience.

August 1, 2025

Gov. Pritzker and Local Leaders Discuss Impact of Trump's Food Assistance Cuts

EAST ST. LOUIS - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Secretary Dulce Quintero, First Assistant Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services Ryan Croke, and local leaders to discuss how Trump's draconian budget bill will impact an estimated 360,000 Illinoisans who rely on food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In addition to stripping the most vulnerable Illinoisans of food assistance, Trump's bill also jeopardizes jobs, hurts grocery stores, and harms local economies. Since the program's inception, SNAP benefits have been 100 percent federally funded.

July 29, 2025

IDHS Preserves LGBTQIA+ Youth Support on 988 Lifeline Amid Federal Cuts

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Illinois will continue to provide mental health support services for LGBTQIA+ youth, after the federal government ended funding last month for specific support on the 988 Lifeline.

July 17, 2025

New Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Launches

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker announced that the newly formed Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) has officially begun operations. Housed in the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the new division integrates the former IDHS Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) and Division of Mental Health (DMH).

July 1, 2025

More Press Releases

News Spotlight

Peoria nonprofit Art Inc. expands program offerings into gun violence prevention | WBCU

The Peoria nonprofit Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc., or Art Inc., is extending its programs, and its reach, into issues like gun violence prevention and workforce development.

June 18, 2025

State of Illinois Honors Leaders Advancing Housing Access and Justice Across Illinois | Effingham Radio

The State of Illinois today recognized and celebrated the exceptional leadership of seven people and organizations leading work across Illinois to prevent and end homelessness through the Home Illinois Summit Recognition of Service awards.

June 15, 2025

Inside Illinois' journey to build a centralized platform for child welfare services | Route Fifty

A digital transformation among six child welfare agencies in Illinois is helping to break down silos and connect families with the mental and behavioral health services they need.

June 11, 2025

Summer grocery benefits available for school-aged children | Marshall County Tribune-Courier

Summer is here, but that doesn't mean students have to stop receiving free lunches!

When school is out for the summer, Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child. Summer EBT can be used to purchase food from authorized retailers in participating states - including Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri.

June 5, 2025

2025 Pride Message from IDHS Secretary Quintero

Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero shares a message in celebration of Pride while highlighting the important work that IDHS is doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.

IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: 2024 IDHS Accomplishments Video

As we close out another remarkable year at IDHS, Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on all we've accomplished together. From expanding critical programs to reaching more families in need, we thank our staff and all our partners for their hard work, compassion, and commitment.

IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on the culture and impact of the Latino/Latine/Latinx community. Learn more about their personal journey and the giants who inspired them to stand up for what is right.

DRS Director Patrick: ADA Celebration & Disability Pride

In celebration of the anniversary of the ADA, Department of Rehabilitation Services Director Rahnee Patrick discusses her journey as a disability activist, and she emphasizes the importance of the Centers for Independent Living (CIL), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and disability pride in the ongoing work to secure equity for people with disabilities.

A Legacy of Neurodiversity Pride

"My community needs to gain more equity and inclusion, and that is where the advocacy for and by myself and others comes in." IDHS is honored to share insights from Daniel Olsen, a summer intern at the IDHS Office of Communications in Springfield. The article details his journey from shame to celebration.

2024 Pride Message from IDHS Secretary Designate Quintero

Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero shares a message in celebration of Pride while highlighting the important work that IDHS is doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.