SNAP RULES ARE CHANGING
The federal government passed a new law that makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link/EBT in Illinois. The changes could affect your SNAP eligibility or require you to take extra steps to receive SNAP benefits. Take these actions today.
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION
Report any changes in your income or changes to your household to the Illinois Department of Human Services. You can do this online or call the IDHS Line at 1-800-843-6154 or visit your local IDHS office.
REVIEW WORK REQUIREMENTS
Make sure you are connected to a job, volunteer opportunity or education & training programs for at least 80 hours per month. Use the ABE Screener tool to see if you are meeting new work requirements or if you qualify for an exemption.
WORK REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Effective February 1, 2026
Many people between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have dependents under the age of 14 will be required to work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month to keep SNAP benefits.
To meet this requirement, a person must work (paid or unpaid), participate in SNAP Employment & Training Programs, volunteer or do community service, or any combination of the above.
Exemptions are available. Use this screener to see if you are meeting new work requirements or if you qualify for an exemption. If you are eligible for an exemption, complete this form and submit it to IDHS.
Do this by February 28, 2026, or you may receive a warning that you are not compliant. SNAP participants who receive three warnings over a three-month period may lose their benefits long-term.
IMMIGRANT ELIGIBILITY
Effective April 1, 2026
Immigrants granted official humanitarian protections will no longer be eligible for SNAP, including refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, certain victims of violence and torture, and other historically qualified statuses.
The only immigrants who will remain eligible for SNAP are:
Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who have been in the US for at least 5 years (or are exempt from the 5-year wait period)
Cuban and Haitian entrants
Individuals lawfully residing in the US in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA).
Help is still available for those in need of food. Find your local pantry or free grocery program.
SIGN UP FOR SNAP TODAY
Get the benefits you deserve. Help is available.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Link) helps individuals and families purchase groceries. By providing money for groceries, SNAP frees up household income for other necessities like medicine or utilities.
SPREAD THE WORD
Tell your community about changes to SNAP so they can keep their benefits
GET INVOLVED
We are working with a network of Illinois leaders and organizations to help our neighbors navigate changes to their benefits. Together, we can Save Our SNAP!