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Important Updates to SNAP Benefits: What You Need to Know

Date: 08/25/26

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps individuals and families with limited income buy nutritious food. Several important changes to SNAP are coming soon. It’s crucial to stay informed to avoid disruptions in your benefits.

New Emergency Food Assistance Available

Some Illinois households have lost SNAP benefits or now get less because of the new requirements. The State of Illinois created the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program to help.

The FRESH program provides a one-time $400 payment to eligible individuals whose SNAP benefits stopped or were reduced. The benefit is added to an Illinois Link card. It can be used to help pay for food and other household needs.

Good news: You do not need to apply. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will contact eligible individuals directly.

You can learn more about the FRESH program through IDHS.

Important SNAP Updates

Most adults 18-64 without dependents under 14 must work or volunteer 80 hours/month.

Options include a combination of paid or unpaid work, SNAP Employment & Training Programs, or community service. Exemptions may apply.

If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD), you must meet these SNAP work requirements to keep your benefits. If work requirements are not met, you may only receive SNAP for 3 months within a 3-year period. Be sure to check whether you meet the work requirements or if you qualify for an exemption.

Immigrant SNAP Eligibility Changes
As of April 1, 2026, most immigrants with humanitarian protections (including refugees, asylees, trafficking victims, and other historically qualified statuses) will no longer qualify for SNAP.

Eligible immigrants include:

  • Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) in the U.S. for 5+ years or exempt from the wait
  • Cuban and Haitian entrants
  • Individuals lawfully residing under a Compact of Free Association (COFA)

What you can do

SNAP rules and eligibility requirements are changing quickly. To stay up to date:

  • Visit the IDHS website regularly for the latest updates.
  • If you currently receive SNAP, continue to report:
    • Your work, training, and volunteer hours
    • Any changes in income or household members

If you’ve been laid off or had your work hours reduced, you may now qualify for SNAP. The application takes about 15 minutes and will ask for details about:

  • People living in your household
  • Housing costs
  • Other monthly bills

Need Help Applying?

The Greater Chicago Food Depository offers free SNAP application assistance to all Illinois residents—you do not need to live in Chicago or Cook County to get help.

Additional Resources

For more food assistance options, including local food pantries, visit our Eat Well, Be Well web page.