Originally published January 30, 2026 and updated May 8, 2026
Did you lose your SNAP benefits on May 1? This may be due to the new work requirements that went into effect on February 1, 2026. Participants in the SNAP program (sometimes called “Food Stamps” or “LINK”) between the ages of 18 and 64 are now required to work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month or participate in certain training or education programs to continue receiving their SNAP food benefits for more than three months.
According to news reports, about 120,000 Illinoisans lost benefits this month, including many who may be eligible for on-going food assistance if they can provide documentation of work, training, or community service, or qualify for an exemption. If you lost your SNAP benefits, there are resources available to help you get back on the program.
The information below outlines the new requirements, as well as the exemptions that would qualify you to continue receiving SNAP.
To meet the SNAP work requirements a person must:
- Work (paid or unpaid) an average of 20 hours per week; or
- Participate in a SNAP Employment and Training activity such as basic education, vocational training, work experience, community workfare, Earnfare; or
- Do self-initiated community service with a community-based organization for an average of 20 hours per week; or
- Any combination of the above.
Most SNAP recipients need to meet the work requirements, but there are exceptions. The work requirements do NOT apply to anyone who is:
- Unable to work because of physical, mental, and or medical conditions (including temporary conditions and people receiving OR applying for SSI and SSDI)
- Alaskan Native, American Indian, American Urban Indian, or California Indian
- The main caretaker of a disabled person
- Living in a household with a child under 14 years old
- The main caretaker for someone under 6 who lives outside the home
- Enrolled in a school or training program at least half time (Note that there are other SNAP rules for full-time college students)
- Enrolled in a drug or alcohol treatment program (not AA or NA)
- Applied for or is receiving unemployment benefits
- Pregnant
- Chronically homeless
- Working and earning at least $935/month (gross/total income)
People in any of these categories need to provide documentation to IDHS proving that they fit into one of these categories and do not need to meet the SNAP work requirements. If you qualify for one of these exemptions, you can complete this form (bit.ly/snapexemption) by checking which exemption(s) applies to you, signing and dating the form, and submitting it to IDHS. You can either:
- Upload the form to “Manage My Case”
- Fax it to your local IDHS Office, or
- Submit in person to your local IDHS Office.
To find your local IDHS Office, use the IDHS Office Locator.
If you are mentally or physically unable to work or participating in a homeless service, domestic violence, or drug and alcohol program, you can also have your healthcare or social service provider complete this form (bit.ly/unabletowork) and submit it to IDHS.
Unless you are someone who does not need to meet the work requirements, you will only be able to receive SNAP benefits for a total of three months when you are not working or participating in another activity that meets the work requirements. After three months of not working, you will no longer be eligible to receive SNAP benefits and will be blocked from receiving SNAP benefits for three years. You can become eligible to receive benefits again if you prove that you worked the required 80 hours or took part in a training activity for 30 days.
If you are a homeless service provider supporting clients as they work to resume their benefits, Legal Aid Chicago and the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness are hosting several “SNAP Changes Office Hours” in the coming weeks to help troubleshoot issues.
