01/30/2026
New SNAP Work Requirements
Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) referred to adults ages 18-54 years old, who had no disabilities and no children under 18 living at home. Veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and people who were homeless were exempted from this designation.
The federal budget bill (H.R. 1) changed the definition of ABAWD, dramatically increasing the number of people who must meet or seek an exemption from work requirements. The new definition includes people ages 55-64 years old with no disabilities and people with children at home who are only 14 years or older and does away with the previous exemptions for people who are homeless, Veterans, and youth aging out of foster care.
As a result of new federal policy, on Feb. 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period before losing eligibility. In Illinois, the current 3-year period ends December 31, 2026.
That means beginning May 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements could lose benefits.
SNAP customers can use the ABE https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN SNAP Work Requirements screener to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements. This is meant to be used before Feb. 1.
For more information, feel free to call the IDHS Customer Help Line at 1-800-843-6154.
