Community Resources
Last updated January, 2026.
Our Benefits Services team works hard to stay up to date on the latest information regarding SNAP changes and information. For more resources and information, see the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) or Food Research Action Center (FRAC).
Latest SNAP Updates (Presentation)
The presentation below provides a comprehensive overview of upcoming changes to SNAP.
Having trouble viewing? Click here to access the web version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am a non-citizen who will no longer qualify for SNAP, when will I lose my benefits?
Those who have been receiving benefits will not immediately lose their benefits until after their redetermination point. Additionally, individuals can continue to submit SNAP applications until April 1st. If someone applies for benefits and is approved for SNAP by March 31st, they could keep their benefits until their six month redetermination.
VTTC, a state-funded food program similar to SNAP, may be available to some immigrants affected by the changes, including:
- Asylees
- T-Visa holders
How do I know if I need to meet the ABAWD work requirement?
The Illinois Department of Human Services has sent notices along with a copy of an exemption form to all current and new SNAP participants who are subject to the ABAWD work requirement.
To check if you are subject to, meeting, or may be eligible for an exemption, complete the SNAP Work Requirements Screener.
When do the new SNAP work requirements begin?
ABAWDs have until February 1st, 2026 to begin meeting the new work requirement. ABAWDs who do not meet the work requirement or who are not exempt by February 1st, 2026 may only receive SNAP for 3 months within a 3-year period.
ABAWDs who do not meet or become exempt from the work requirements with the 3 months will lose their SNAP benefits on May 1st, 2026.
What if I am unable to work?
If you have received a notice from the Illinois Department of Human Services indicating that you must meet the work requirement but you are unable to work, you may qualify for an exemption. A person is exempt from the ABAWD work requirement if they are:
- Younger than 18 or older than 64
- Pregnant
- Experiencing chronic homelessness
- A parent or other member of a household that includes a child under the age of 14
- Responsible for the care of a child under 6 or a person who needs help caring for themselves
- Experiencing a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working or makes it difficult to maintain work
- Alaskan Native, American Urban Indian, Californian Indian
- Receiving and meeting the work requirements for TANF
- Receiving unemployment benefits or if they have applied for unemployment benefits
- Regular participants of a drug or alcohol treatment program (not including AA or NA)
- Going to school, college, or job training program at least part-time
- An AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer working 30 or more hours a week
How can I submit a request for exemption?
You can submit your exemption forms by uploading to them to ABE Manage My Case, in person, or by mail to your local FCRC. Exemption forms have been included with the IDHS notices but can also be downloaded using the ABE screener tool.
Our Benefits Services team can help you access and submit exemption forms.
What if I do not qualify for an exemption?
If you do not qualify for an exemption, you must meet the work requirements to continue receiving benefits. Contact our Benefits Services team or visit our Resource Library for employment and training resources.