Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Update: SNAP Changes Delayed Until Feb. 1 — What You Need to Know

December 17, 2025

CPS is continuing to provide updates regarding changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements. Please visit the SNAP Federal Impact Center web page from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for complete and up-to-date information. To find food near you, view these resources for accessing meals and groceries.

Previously, new SNAP work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18 to 64 were scheduled to go into effect on December 1, 2025. However, due to court action in Illinois, the new effective start date for Illinois families has been delayed to February 1, 2026.

Changes to Work Requirements

The New Rule

Starting February 1, 2026, everyone ages 18 to 64 MUST work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month to qualify for SNAP benefits.

• There are some exceptions to this rule, including if you are pregnant or if you are a parent or other member of a household that includes a child under the age of 14. View the full list of who is exempt from these work requirements; additional languages are available on the SNAP Federal Impact Center's web page.

How This Is Different

• Under the previous rules, the maximum age for work requirements was 54. Now the new maximum age is 64.
• Also, under the previous rules, anyone living in a household with a child under age 18 was exempt from work requirements. Now, this applies only to households with at least one child under the age of 14.
• In addition, veterans, young adults who grew up in foster care, and those experiencing homelessness were exempt from work requirements under the previous rules. This will no longer be the case; starting February 1, these beneficiaries will need to meet work requirements.

View the IDHS SNAP one-pager for information on what activities count towards fulfilling work requirements. CPS employees who are eligible for SNAP benefits can access documentation through HR4U using the Self Service Portal.

What happens if SNAP recipients do not complete the new work requirements?

• Anyone who does not complete the monthly work requirements will remain eligible for three (3) months of SNAP benefits within a fixed three (3) year (January 1, 2024–December 31, 2026) period. These months can be individual or consecutive.
• Once these three months are used up, individuals who continue to not meet the work requirements will lose their SNAP benefits, possibly for the remainder of the fixed three (3) year period (January 1, 2024–December 31, 2026).
• Individuals who lose their benefits this way are able to re-apply for SNAP if they complete the work requirements for 30 consecutive days prior to their date of application and meet other eligibility requirements.

Next Steps:

As we approach February 1, 2026 (the effective date for SNAP changes), SNAP recipients should:

• Ensure mailing and email addresses are up-to-date to receive all notifications from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Visit abe.illinois.gov to do this.
• Respond to any notifications from IDHS as quickly as possible.
• Check to see if exempt from work requirements; submit exemption to IDHS right away.
• Use the illinois.gov ABE Screener Tool to check eligibility for SNAP benefits under the new eligibility requirements.
• Create a plan to fulfill the work requirements if not currently working or volunteering.

Update on Changes to SNAP Noncitizen Eligibility

At this time, Illinois is not implementing new federal changes to SNAP eligibility for noncitizens. Illinois has joined a group of other states taking legal action to halt any changes to noncitizen eligibility for SNAP. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will continue to provide any updates on the lawsuit, federal guidance, and the implementation of federal changes impacting noncitizens on its website.

Noncitizens who are concerned about the status of their SNAP benefits can call the IDHS Customer Help Line at 1-800-843-6154.

For support in understanding changes to the SNAP program, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) at (800) 843-6154, or visit IDHS: SNAP Federal Impact Center.

Food Resources for Supporting CPS Staff and Families

A reminder that all CPS students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch at school every day. Below are resources for members of our CPS community who may need additional support accessing meals and groceries as a result of changes to the SNAP program:

• The CPS Food, Shelter & Health Resources document matches school locations with local food, shelter, and medical care options.
• The We Got You Illinois website includes a comprehensive list of food pantries, meal programs, and food distribution partners throughout Chicago and Cook County.
• Additional support, including SNAP enrollment assistance, is available through the Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 553-KIDS (5437).

We know that this may create a difficult situation for members of our CPS community, and will continue providing additional information and resources as they become available.