Federal officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have notified all states that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be funded if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues. Without a resolution, SNAP recipients will lose access to new food benefits starting November 1, 2025, unless the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans reach an agreement to reopen the government.
SNAP is fully federally funded, and a halt in payments would affect all 1.9 million recipients in Illinois. The state administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits monthly—critical funding that supports families across Illinois. The State does not have the budgetary capacity to replace these resources if federal support is suspended.
SNAP serves as a vital nutritional lifeline and a core component of the social safety net in Illinois, assisting 1.9 million individuals each month, including 1 million households. Demographics of SNAP recipients include:
37% of SNAP households include older adults
45% of SNAP households include children
44% of SNAP households include a person with a disability
The average monthly SNAP benefit in Illinois is approximately $370. If Congress and the administration pass a budget including SNAP appropriations by November 1, benefit continuity is expected.
Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce M. Quintero emphasized, “SNAP is a proven, time-tested program that protects children and families from going hungry. The federal government must ensure families receive their benefits on November 1 so their livelihoods are not disrupted.”
Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, added, “SNAP is one of the most successful anti-hunger initiatives in history. Eliminating this support risks not only family nutrition but also grocery retailers—especially in vulnerable communities.”
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will keep customers informed on this evolving situation, including via: www.dhs.state.il.us, texting, and mailed notices.