Dear Partners,  

We have important SNAP updates to share today.  

December SNAP benefits 

Full December SNAP benefits will be issued as normally scheduled.  

New SNAP ABAWD Work Requirements 

Starting February 1, 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption may only receive benefits for three months during a three-year period. That means individuals not meeting the new federal work requirements or otherwise exempt could lose benefits starting May 1, 2026.   

Prior to the federal budget bill, ABAWDs were defined as adults ages 18-54 with no "dependent" children under 18 and no disabilities. 

But under the new federal guidelines, people in the following categories will also be forced to meet the new work requirements to receive SNAP benefits: 

• Veterans 
• Individuals who are 55-64 years old 
• Homeless individuals 
• ABAWDs whose at-home children are 14 years old or older



These changes were originally set to start December 1, 2025, but as of today are set to start February 1, 2026, due to a court order. IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs. 

Federal Changes to SNAP Eligibility for Noncitizens 

At this time, IDHS is not implementing new federal changes to SNAP eligibility for noncitizens – which were part of the federal budget bill. The current federal guidance does not provide sufficient clarity or direction to implement the changes that were intended to begin on December 1 and at the time of re-determinations. 

Additionally, Illinois has joined a group of other states suing to halt any changes to noncitizen eligibility for SNAP. IDHS will continue to provide any updates on the lawsuit, federal guidance, and the implementation of federal changes impacting noncitizens on its website. 

IDHS is grateful for all the partners who continue to come together to defend SNAP. 

We will continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov