Tighter federal SNAP eligibility rules take effect across Illinois on May 1, and many families who receive food assistance will lose their benefits.
SNAP's work requirements now apply to a much wider group. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump signed last July, adults through age 64 without dependents under 14 — not just those 54 and younger, as before — must work, volunteer, or train at least 80 hours a month, or lose benefits after three months.
The law also eliminates exemptions that previously protected veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who aged out of foster care.
How Many People Are Affected
About 211,000 Illinoisans are expected to lose food benefits due to the expanded work requirements alone, the Chicago Tribune reported. Roughly 2 million people in Illinois received SNAP benefits last year, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.
"I mean, fundamentally, this means that people are gonna go hungry," Nolan Downey, senior director of policy at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, told the Tribune.
Some Illinois lawmakers have proposed state-level programs to offset lost federal benefits, though no legislation has passed.
Where to Find Food Help
- Greater Chicago Food Depository (serves Cook County, including La Grange): chicagosfoodbank.org
- Find Food Illinois: eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu
