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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits for eligible families to purchase healthy food.

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.

SNAP Rules Are Changing on December 1: What You Need to Know

November 19, 2025

With the government shutdown now over, the State of Illinois has shared that full November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should be provided to all recipients by Thursday, November 20.

But there are more changes coming to SNAP beginning December 1, and we want staff and families to be prepared. These changes are the result of a bill signed by the current presidential administration on July 4, 2025.

Changes to Work Requirements

The New Rule

  • As of December 1, 2025, 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. Click here for a full list of who is exempt from these work requirements; additional languages are available on this page.

How This Is Different

  • Under the previous rules, the maximum age for work requirements was 54. Now that 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 1 child age 14 or under.
  • In addition, veterans, young adults who grew up in foster care, and those experiencing homelessness were exempt from work requirements under the previous rules. As of December 1, 2025, this will no longer be the case.

Click here for information on what activities count towards fulfilling work requirements. CPS employees who are eligible for benefits can access documentation through HR4U using the Self Service Portal.

What happens if I 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 not to 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 CAN re-apply for SNAP if they complete the work requirements for 30 consecutive days prior to their date of application.

Next Steps

As we approach December 1, 2025 (the effective date for SNAP changes), SNAP recipients should:

  • Make sure that your mailing and email addresses are up-to-date so that you will receive all notifications from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). You can do this by visiting abe.illinois.gov.
  • Respond to any notifications from IDHS as quickly as possible
  • Check to see if you qualify for an exemption to work requirements, and submit that exemption or your work requirement hours to IDHS right away.
  • Individuals can utilize the illinois.gov ABE Screener Tool to check their eligibility for SNAP benefits under the new eligibility requirements.
  • If you are required to fulfill the work requirements under the new rules and are not currently working or volunteering, create a plan to do so.

For support in understanding changes to the SNAP program, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) at (800) 843-6154, or visit wegotyouillinois.org/updates.

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:

  • This CPS resource 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) and cps.edu/snap.

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.