Trump Administration to Kick 150,000 Illinoisans Off SNAP on May 1
Governor Pritzker shares resources to help Illinoisans
April 15, 2026
KEY POINTS FOR ILLINOISANS:
- Due to Trump’s budget bill, approximately 150,000 Illinoisans are at risk of losing food assistance beginning May 1, 2026.
- Illinois SNAP customers are encouraged to use the State’s screening tool to check their status.
- The State of Illinois has resources for work and volunteer opportunities through Job Ready IL and Serve IL.
- Important Links:
- Screening Tool: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN
- Information on Work Requirements, Exemptions & Resources: SnapWorkRequirements.Illinois.gov
- General Benefits Page: Abe.Illinois.gov
SPRINGFIELD — As the Trump Administration is preparing to cut food assistance for as many as 150,000 Illinoisians on May 1, Governor Pritzker is encouraging Illinoisans who rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use the State’s screener tool to confirm if their benefits are at risk.
“For 60 years, Americans across the country have relied on federal food assistance to prevent them from going hungry. Now, as the cost of groceries, gas, and utilities are all rising, Donald Trump is ripping away food assistance from Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinoisans who rely on SNAP are encouraged to check their status online using the state’s screener tool and look at available resources at SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov.”
SNAP has been a permanent, 100% federally funded food benefit for more than 60 years. Trump’s budget bill takes food off of family’s tables and for the first time in the program’s history, passes costs onto states — threatening food benefits for families, jeopardizing jobs, grocery stores, retail merchants, and local economies.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT AT-RISK ILLINOISANS
The Trump Administration decided Illinoisans who fall into these categories may lose benefits beginning May 1:
- Haven’t worked, participated in a training program, or volunteered a minimum of 80 hours per month, beginning February 1, 2026
- 18 to 64 years old
- Do not have children under 14
- Able-bodied (physically/mentally able to work)
- Are not eligible for an exemption
The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans dramatically expanded the number of people who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) and are therefore required to meet work requirements. ABAWDs may only receive SNAP for three months in a three-year period if they are not working. This provision began on February 1, 2026 — making May 1 the date when many Illinoisans may lose coverage.
The 150,000 ABAWD individuals estimated to be at risk of losing benefits have not yet submitted documentation of work, training, volunteering, or an exemption.
WHAT RESIDENTS NEED TO DO BEFORE MAY 1
The State of Illinois urges SNAP recipients to use the screening tool here to check their status. All ABAWDs have received notices of federal SNAP policy changes. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will continue to keep customers informed on the program through its website, www.dhs.state.il.us, texts, and mailed notices.
ABAWDs without an exemption must spend at least 80 hours each month working, earning $935 per month or more, participating in an approved work program, volunteering, or doing a combination of these activities. Customers who must meet the new requirements can find resources regarding working, volunteering, and participating in a training or education program at SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
Job Ready IL: Online Job Readiness Training
- Earn job training hours for SNAP. Anytime, anywhere, free of cost. JobReadyIL.com is a 100% online job readiness program. Learn how to prepare for, find, and keep a job you love at no cost to you. Anyone can sign up.
Serve Illinois: Find Volunteer Opportunities
- This is a free platform designed to help customers find volunteer opportunities in their community. Developed by IDHS, Serve Illinois helps you connect to flexible volunteer opportunities near you to help you maintain your benefits, make local connections, and contribute to causes you care about.
“SNAP is an extremely important lifeline for people across Illinois and provides them with nutritious meals when they need it most,” said IDHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero. “The federal government continues to find new ways to implement cruel policies that take vital benefits away from Illinoisans. At IDHS, we continue to expand resources for our SNAP customers to meet new federal work requirements and give people more opportunities to keep their benefits.”
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