New work requirements that went into effect earlier this year could result in thousands of Illinois residents losing their SNAP benefits as soon as Friday.
As part of a massive “big, beautiful bill” that President Donald Trump and Republicans pushed through last summer, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD’s) who do not qualify for specific exemptions are only permitted to receive SNAP benefits for three months within a three-year period.
Those new requirements went into effect on February 1, and as a result, thousands of Illinoisans could soon lose those SNAP benefits on Friday, state officials warn.
Illinois residents who have not yet filed paperwork to determine if they qualify for an exemption can still do so, and benefits would be restored to those who qualify, according to federal officials.
Still, the idea that thousands of residents could soon lose benefits has area food pantries bracing for a period of uncertainty in the weeks ahead.
According to figures released by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office, more than 150,000 Illinois residents had not yet field for exemptions as of April 1, with the governor urging those individuals to file paperwork to see if they qualify.
Pritzker also criticized the Trump administration for the policy changes.
“For 60 years, Americans across the country have relied on federal food assistance to prevent them from going hungry. Now, as the cost of groceries, gas, and utilities are all rising, Donald Trump is ripping away food assistance from Illinoisans,” Pritzker said in an April statement.
Under the new rules, SNAP beneficiaries between the ages of 18 and 65 who do not qualify for exemptions must work or volunteer for a minimum of 80 hours per month, or participate in specific training or education programs, to remain eligible for those benefits.
There are a number of exemptions that residents could qualify for, including:
-People who are medically certified as physically or mentally unable to work.
-Those currently receiving unemployment benefits.
-Those who are enrolled in a school or training program at least half-time.
-Those who are experiencing chronic houselessness.
-Those who are AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers.
-Individuals who are pregnant.
-Parents or other member of a household that includes a child under the age of 14.
-Individuals who care for a child under the age of 6 who lives outside of their home.
-Individuals in charge of caring for an incapacitated or disabled person.
SNAP users can check a federal website to check their status, according to state officials.
Current SNAP participants who require food assistance can call 211, or use the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s “Find Food Locator.”
The state also offers the “We Got You Illinois” food locator, which can be found here.
