CHICAGO — Recent modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have taken effect, prompting local food pantries and nonprofits to prepare for an expected increase in demand for services. These changes, part of an initiative led by President Donald Trump, introduce new work requirements for thousands of Illinois residents who previously enjoyed waivers from such demands.
Under the new regulations, individuals aged 18 to 64 receiving SNAP benefits are now required to demonstrate they are either working, engaging in educational or training programs, volunteering, or fulfilling community service obligations — totaling at least 80 hours per month.
According to Governor JB Pritzker’s office, the changes may result in 360,000 individuals in Illinois losing their SNAP benefits, including up to 20,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth who have aged out of foster care. As of September, over 1.8 million people in Illinois were receiving SNAP benefits, highlighting the potential impact of these changes.
The modifications specify that work requirement waivers will now only apply to adults with a child aged 14 or younger living with them, a decrease from the previous cutoff at age 18. Additionally, veterans, young adults who have exited foster care, and those experiencing homelessness, who were once exempt from these requirements, will now need to meet them to continue receiving federal food assistance.
To determine whether these changes may affect their SNAP benefits, recipients can utilize a screening test provided by the state. Notifications have been sent to SNAP recipients who received waivers about the adjustments. By February 28, the federal government is expected to send warnings to beneficiaries who have not complied with the new requirements, with a deadline of May 1 for meeting these conditions to avoid losing benefits.
Residents seeking food assistance are encouraged to access resources available through the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which serves as a vital network supplying food at no cost to more than 850 pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across Chicago and Cook County. The food depository offers a “Find Food Locator” tool for residents to locate food distribution centers or meal sites. Additionally, We Got You Illinois provides a mapping tool for nearby food assistance options, and residents can reach out by phone if online access is unavailable.
As local organizations brace for the impact of these changes, community support systems remain in place to help individuals navigate the new requirements, offering a glimmer of hope during challenging transitions.