Ligas Family Advocate Program

11/01/2025

SNAP Federal Impact Center - Latest Update 11.1.25

Federal courts ordered the federal administration to continue paying for SNAP (food stamps) during the government shutdown. IDHS and the State of Illinois are reviewing these orders. SNAP benefits remain on hold by the federal government for November until further notice or order by the courts. Even if the courts order payment, it is uncertain how long it will take for SNAP payments to be made.

Benefits from months prior to November can still be used.

IDHS will keep customers updated on this evolving situation.

Currently, the federal shutdown is not impacting CCAP, WIC, Medicaid, Early Intervention, and TANF through November 2025 for current IDHS customers. These regularly scheduled benefits will continue to be issued, and our offices will remain open and ready to assist you. IDHS is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates.

Federal courts ordered the federal administration to continue paying for SNAP (food stamps) during the government shutdown. IDHS and the State of Illinois are reviewing these orders. SNAP benefits remain on hold by the federal government for November until further notice or order by the courts. Even...

10/25/2025

Greetings From Kankakee!

The Arc of Illinois is proud to participate in the “Navigating Together: Family Resource Fair,” an event dedicated to empowering families and caregivers through information, connection, and collaboration.
In alignment with our commitment to sharing resources statewide, Senior Family Advocate Ruth Aguilar is representing The Arc of Illinois at today’s event.

She is engaging with families and caregivers to provide information about available support and services for individuals living with developmental disabilities.

We invite attendees to visit The Arc of Illinois table to learn more about our programs and resources, and to join Ruth for her presentation, which will include essential information on service options and the PUNS process.

10/18/2025

“The Arc of Illinois Family Advocate Program sharing much needed information state-wide!”

Hello Beautiful People!

Greetings from Central & Southern Family Advocate, Annie Bruno, she is in Champaign, IL and all set up at the Disability Resource Expo. Swing by the booth and say hi! Annie is located on the JC Penney wing, booth number 20. She'll be there until 4pm today - venture out and learn more about how the Arc can support you!

10/16/2025

URGENT MESSAGE!

Trump’s Administration: SNAP Benefits Slated to be Cut Off on November 1
1.9 million Illinoisans will lose food assistance on November 1 if the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans do not reopen federal government ​ ​

October 16, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, October 16, 2025

CONTACT

DHS.Press@illinois.gov

CHICAGO—Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have informed all states that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the federal government shutdown, now in its third week, continues. As a result, SNAP customers will not have access to any new food benefits starting on November 1, 2025, unless the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans re-open the government.

SNAP is a 100 percent federally funded benefit and the federal government withholding payments to the state would impact all 1.9 million recipients in Illinois. The state administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month, funding that feeds families in every corner of the State. If SNAP funds are not delivered by the federal government, the State of Illinois does not have the budgetary ability to backfill these critical resources.

SNAP, a vital lifeline to nutrition and essential part of the state’s social safety net, serves 1.9 million individuals in Illinois each month, including 1 million households. Of those SNAP serves:

37% SNAP households have older adults
45% SNAP households have children
44% SNAP households have a person with a disability
Illinois administers more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month, funding that feeds families in every corner of the State. The average monthly SNAP benefit is approximately $370. If Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration re-open the government and pass a budget bill that includes SNAP appropriations by November 1, the State of Illinois expects there would be continuity in coverage.

“SNAP is a proven, time-tested program, one that protects children and families from going hungry,” said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary. “The federal government needs to ensure families receive their benefits on November 1, so their livelihoods are not disrupted.” ​

“The SNAP program is one of the most successful anti-hunger initiatives in history, ensuring recipients don’t have to choose between feeding their family or affording other household needs such as medicine or utilities,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “With grocers in many communities already struggling to keep their doors open, the elimination of this vital support puts entire communities at risk of losing access to fresh and healthy food. We urge the federal leaders to work collaboratively to ensure this assistance doesn’t lapse.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will keep customers informed on this evolving situation, including via: www.dhs.state.il.us, texting, and mailed notices.

10/10/2025

HAPPENING NOW!
Staying informed about issues that impact our lives.

Veronica Salazar, Arc of Illinois Family Advocate, is proud to attend the 2nd District Candidate Forum!
📅 Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Kennedy-King College – Washburne Building, Great Hall
6301 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621

This is the first in a series of six candidate forums leading up to the 2026 Democratic Primary Elections.

Hear directly from Democratic candidates on the issues that matter most to Illinois families — healthcare, economic justice, education, immigration, the environment, and more.

🎟️ Free & Open to the Public
Co-hosted by The Arc of Illinois, Citizen Action/Illinois, and more than two dozen advocacy partners.

10/09/2025

DHS NOTICE REGARDING FEDERAL SHUTDOWN - October 9, 2025

The federal shutdown will not impact October benefits for current IDHS customers. This includes but is not limited to SNAP, CCAP, WIC, Medicaid, Early Intervention, and TANF cash benefit customers. Regularly scheduled benefits will continue to be issued, and our offices will remain open and ready to assist you. IDHS is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates on our website.

The federal shutdown will not impact current IDHS providers during October 2025. DDD asks providers to continue to provide services and operate as usual. While we anticipate there may be some potential delays, due to federal employees being furloughed while the federal shutdown is pending, regularly scheduled payments will continue to be issued at this time. If you have specific questions about your grant funded program, please contact your grant manager.

Additional Resources:
• Illinois Immigration Information Hub - This a trusted, easy-to-use site, led by legal and immigration advocates, in partnership with IDHS and the City of Chicago, where you can find legal help, get support in a crisis, and learn your rights. Whether you're new to Illinois or just looking for answers, this site is here for you and your loved ones. Visit the Illinois Immigration Hub: IllinoisImmigrationInfo.org.
• SNAP Federal Impact Center - IDHS is deeply concerned by the recent passage of the Trump Administration's sweeping budget bill and its impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). At this time, customers should continue applying and managing their cases as normal. For the most recent updates click here:https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=174038

Send a message to learn more

10/01/2025

"The Arc Family Advocate Program love sharing Information!"
You don't want to miss this event, it is popping...happening now!

The Arc of Illinois Senior Family Advocate, Ruth Aguilar is out and about this afternoon attending the Transition fair in Lansing Illinois. This fair is being held in collaboration with their district's College and Career Fair.

Come on out and stop by The Arc of Illinois table and gather resources as you plan for the future.

10/01/2025

Message Regarding the Federal Shutdown

Dear Valued Partner,

IDHS is closely monitoring the federal shutdown and its impact in Illinois. At this time, IDHS does not believe there would be any immediate impact felt for customers, providers, or staff in October.

This includes, but is not limited to, SNAP, CCAP, WIC, Medicaid, Early Intervention, and TANF cash benefit customers. Regularly scheduled benefits will continue to be issued and our offices will remain open and ready to assist you.

IDHS will continue to monitor the situation and keep customers and our stakeholders informed on our website, through our call centers, and through email communications.

With gratitude,

Dulce M. Quintero
IDHS Secretary

10/01/2025

"A message from our Public Affairs Specialist at Social Security!"

Hello Partners, Advocates, and Friends,

During a federal government shutdown, payments to current Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients will continue. Our local offices will remain open to the public for some in-person services.

For more information, please read the Dear Colleague Letter posted today on Social Security’s Advocates page: What the Federal Government Shutdown Means to Your Clients | News | SSA, and visit www.ssa.gov/agency/shutdown

To conveniently manage your benefits online, create a personal my Social Security account at my Social Security | SSA.

Important Information About the Federal Government Shutdown Due to the Federal Government Shutdown, Social Security offices are open with reduced services. Hearings offices remain open to conduct hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Social Security and Supplemental Security Income paym...

09/27/2025

HAPPY SATURDAY FROM SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS!

Our Central & Southern Arc of Illinois Family Advocate, Jerin Olson, is on the road in Sangamon County, Springfield, IL at the SASED Navigating the School Year: The Special Education Resource Fair from 11 AM to 2 PM at SASED Central School.

This event features valuable resource vendors, kids’ activities, food, and fun for the whole family! All proceeds benefit the amazing students and dedicated staff at SASED Central School, a therapeutic day school supporting students with disabilities to grow, learn, and thrive! Come on out and join us as we share information in all areas of the State.

09/26/2025

“Sharing is Caring! ”

Happy Friday,
So grateful for our Arc of Illinois Southern Family Advocate, Jerin Olson, she is in Carbondale, Illinois today attending the Autism Conference at the SIU Student Center, hosted by the Autism Society of Southern Illinois.

This important conference highlights the value of building inclusive support across the lifespan of families; we’re excited to be a part of it! It also supports the efforts of The Arc of Illinois to provide information and support in all areas of the State.

Please stop by Jerin’s table and learn about The Arc of Illinois!

09/24/2025

So proud of these two awesome ladies! Kimberly Johnson former Ligas Family Advocate, now serving as President of The Arc of Illinois Board of Directors and Ruth Aguilar, Senior Family Advocate at The Arc of Illinois!