Benefits are provided on the Illinois Link Card, an electronic card that is used like a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores.
For more information, reach out to your Children and Family Benefits Coordinator or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) for assistance.
Updates to SNAP Work Requirements — What You Need to Know
Updated April 2026
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. For more information regarding SNAP changes, please call the IDHS Help Line at 800-843-6154. To find food near you, view these resources for accessing meals and groceries or call 211.
New SNAP Work Requirements
New SNAP work requirements for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18 to 64 went into effect on February 1, 2026. After 3 months of receiving benefits, ABAWDs who have not met work requirements and do not qualify for an exemption will lose benefits starting May 1, 2026.
ABAWDs MUST work, volunteer and/or participate with an approved work program for a minimum of 80 hours a 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?
- Starting May 1, 2026: ABAWDs who have received SNAP for 3 months but have not met work requirements and do not qualify for an exemption will lose benefits 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
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.
- Manage Your SNAP Work Requirement or request an exemption using abe.illinois.gov.
Update on Changes to SNAP Noncitizen Eligibility
Changes to noncitizen eligibility began taking effect on April 1, 2026.
For people currently receiving SNAP, the eligibility change will be applied at their next redetermination on or after April 1.
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 Greater Chicago Food Depository and 211 websites 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).
Get Help With Benefits
Our CFBU coordinators are available to assist families with enrolling and renewing public health benefits. To find your nearest coordinator, search for the name of your school or network below, or view our coordinator contact sheet. For more help, submit a Healthy CPS Assistance Request Form or call 773-553-KIDS (5437).
Eligibility
- Are a United States citizen or meet certain nonresident requirements,
- Live in Illinois,
- Meet program income requirement and housing expenses, and
- The number of persons who live and eat together
Food Pantries and Food Programs
Visit food pantries in Chicago and Cook County to receive healthy food and groceries for yourself and your family.
To find hours, locations and information for all available Cook County and Chicago food pantries, meal programs and distribution partners, visit the We Got You Illinois website.
How to Report SNAP or Illinois Link Card Fraud
To file an EBT theft claim for fraud committed against your LINK account, visit the IDHS Manage My Illinois Link Account webpage.