New SNAP Work Requirements Kick In, Raising Concerns in Chicago

Hundreds of thousands in Illinois could lose food assistance benefits under the new rules.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:55am

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New work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) went into effect on February 1, 2026, raising concerns that hundreds of thousands of people in Illinois could lose their food assistance benefits. The changes, stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump, require 'able-bodied' SNAP recipients between 18 and 64 to work, volunteer, or attend school for at least 80 hours per month to maintain their benefits.

Why it matters

Food insecurity is expected to 'skyrocket' in Chicago and across Illinois due to the new SNAP work requirements, which eliminate many previous exemptions. This could put a significant strain on local food banks and other social services as more people struggle to afford groceries.

The details

Under the new rules, SNAP recipients who can't meet the work requirements will be limited to just three months of benefits over a three-year period before losing them entirely. The changes also expanded the 'able-bodied' category to include adults up to age 64, whereas the previous limit was 54. Illinois officials say they've already secured about 100,000 exemptions, but have over 200,000 more to process before the end of April deadline, after which benefits will be cut off.

  • The new SNAP work requirements went into effect on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • SNAP recipients have until the end of April 2026 to prove they meet the work requirements or risk losing their benefits starting May 1, 2026.

The players

Man-Yee Lee

Representative of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who warned that food insecurity is expected to 'skyrocket' due to the new SNAP rules.

Dulce Quintero

Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, who said the state has secured about 100,000 exemptions but has over 200,000 more to process before the end of April deadline.

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What they’re saying

“We are really bracing ourselves for an uptick and a surge in the need for food. Food insecurity is going to skyrocket.”

— Man-Yee Lee, Representative, Greater Chicago Food Depository (cbsnews.com)

“We've been able to get about 100,000 already exemptions, so we have about 200,000-plus more to go. So we've got to get the word out.”

— Dulce Quintero, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Illinois state leaders said they have sent letters to people who may be impacted by the new SNAP work requirements and have been ramping up resources to help recipients meet the 80-hour per month threshold. The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to grant any emergency exemptions or delays to the new rules.

The takeaway

The new SNAP work requirements are expected to have a significant impact on food security in Illinois, potentially causing hundreds of thousands to lose their benefits. This highlights the need for policymakers to carefully consider the real-world effects of such changes and ensure adequate support is in place for vulnerable populations.