SNAP at risk for 120,000 Illinois residents as new federal work rules take effect

Up to 120,000 Illinois residents could lose SNAP benefits starting May 1 due to new federal work requirements for able-bodied adults 18–64 without dependent children, who must work, volunteer, or participate in approved programs for at least 80 hours per month. If they don’t meet the rule, SNAP benefits can be limited to three months in a three-year period. Thousands of immigrants are affected; exemptions exist for some. IDHS says those who can meet the 80 hours in May should reapply to restore benefits in June, and food pantries expect higher demand as lines grow.