Help Thousands Keep SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps 1.9 million people in Illinois (about 1 in 7) afford enough food to live a healthy life.
The able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) time limit waiver protects access to SNAP benefits by waiving a requirement that people work at least 80 hours per month; otherwise they would only get SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 36 month (3 year!) period.
This requirement is a significant threat to people who live in areas where there simply aren't enough jobs or training opportunities, as well as people who face barriers to employment such as criminal convictions, homelessness, or mental illness. Illinois' current time waiver expires at the end of 2017.
Illinois qualifies for a waiver of this draconian rule due to our relatively high level of unemployment. The IL House and Senate have already approved reauthorization and Gov. Rauner has signed it in past years, but this year he is hesitating.
How you can help:
Please call Governor Rauner and urge him to sign the waiver. You may reach him at his Chicago or Springfield office.
- Chicago: (312) 814-2121
- Springfield: (217) 782-0244
Say a variation of the following:
"My name is [your name] and I urge the governor to sign the ABAWD waiver so that thousands can keep their SNAP benefits."
Thank you for helping the fight against hunger!