New Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements take effect February 1st, potentially cutting benefits for up to 340,000 Illinois residents. The changes, part of H.R. 1 or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed in July 2025, now require adults ages 18 to 64 without dependents under age 14 to work, participate in employment programs, or volunteer at least 80 hours per month. Previously, these rules targeted ages 18 to 54 without dependents under 18.
According to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), those not meeting the requirements may only receive SNAP for three months in a three-year period. As of September 2025, almost two million Illinoisans were using SNAP.
The new law expands requirements for “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs) and ends Illinois’ previous waiver on work requirements. Some recipients remain exempt, but others must submit forms to qualify.
IDHS spokesperson Summer Griffith criticized the changes, saying the new federal rules “deliberately prevent Americans and Illinoisans from receiving assistance.” IDHS is working to inform SNAP participants about these changes and help them navigate the new requirements.
SNAP recipients must also keep their income and household information updated to remain eligible. For more details, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services.