SNAP customers can now check to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements. Use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener.

Additional Information on New SNAP Work Requirements

Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) applied to adults ages 18-54 who had:

  • No kids under 18 living at home
  • No disabilities

Now, more people must meet or be exempt from work requirements, like:

  • People who are homeless
  • People with kids at home who are only 14 or older
  • Veterans
  • People with no disabilities, ages 55-64

Important Dates:

February 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only get SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period.

May 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements will lose benefits.

IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs.

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