Updated: March, 2026
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly called food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families buy food.
In Illinois, SNAP is administered by the state, and ICIRR partners with community-based organizations through the Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) to ensure immigrant and refugee families can access and keep SNAP and other public benefits and services.
SNAP Rules Are Changing - Learn How This Affects Your Eligibility and Benefits
New federal changes to SNAP may affect whether you and other members of your household will continue to receive benefits.
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If you currently receive SNAP, it is important to check your eligibility status before your next recertification date to confirm a continuation or termination of benefits.
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It may also be necessary that you file certain paperwork and make account updates to keep your benefits active upon your next recertification date.
The ICIRR Family Support Network Hotline at 855-435-7693 can connect you to a trusted Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) organization that can help you manage your SNAP benefits and connect you with other public benefits and resources.
You can also apply for SNAP benefits, check eligibility, and manage your case online: abe.illinois.gov/access/
An estimated 250,000 Illinoisans are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits due to new federal requirements and a $200 billion cut in funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our nation’s frontline defense against hunger.
The federally mandated changes will make it more difficult for people to qualify and remain on SNAP. More information about the new work requirements and immigrant eligibility rules for SNAP are provided below.
Work Requirements
Effective February 1, 2026
Many people between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have dependents under the age of 14 will be required to work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month to keep SNAP benefits. Some exemptions are available.
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You can use the SNAP Work Requirements Screener to determine if you are meeting SNAP Work Requirements or may be exempt and should request an exemption.
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Additional information about SNAP work requirements can be found on the IDHS website: SNAP Work Requirements & Exemptions.
Immigrant Eligibility
Effective April 1, 2026
Immigrants granted official humanitarian protections will no longer be eligible for SNAP, including refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, certain victims of violence and torture, and other historically qualified statuses.
The only immigrants who will remain eligible for SNAP are:
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Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who have been in the US for at least 5 years (or are exempt from the 5-year wait period)
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Cuban and Haitian entrants
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Individuals lawfully residing in the US in accordance with a Compact of Free Association (COFA)
For more information about impacted groups, please visit IDHS website: Noncitizen Eligibility Changes
Need Assistance With Getting SNAP Food Benefits or Navigating New Requirements?
We’re here to help
IFRP organizations across Illinois, will answer your questions and walk you through the process for receiving and maintaining SNAP food benefits. We can help with:
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Determining your eligibility
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Applying for benefits
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Recertifying your eligibility
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Managing your case
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Connecting you to other public benefits, recources
Call the ICIRR Family Support Network Hotline at 855-435-7693 to get connected with an IFRP organization near you.
Whether or not you are eligible for SNAP, there are other food assistance resources available across Illinois. Find places in your community offering free food or meals: