Starting February 1, 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption may only receive benefits for three months during a three-year period. That means individuals not meeting the new federal work requirements or otherwise exempt could lose benefits starting May 1, 2026.
Prior to the Trump Administration’s budget bill, ABAWDS were defined as adults ages 18-54 with no “dependent” children under 18 and no disabilities.
But under the new federal guidelines, people in the following categories will also be forced to meet the new work requirements to receive SNAP benefits:
⚫ Veterans
⚫ Individuals who are 55-64 years old
⚫ Homeless individuals
⚫ ABAWDs whose at-home children are 14 years old or older
These changes were originally set to start December 1, 2025, but as of today are set to start February 1, 2026, due to a court order.
IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs. IDHS will continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov
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