URGENT: Some SNAP recipients will lose benefits on  May 1, 2026  — review the steps below now

IARF Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities | Distributing resources provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) | www.iarf.org

H.R. 1 — Federal Policy Update

SNAP Work Requirements:
What Illinois Residents Need to Know Now

Congress and President Trump have changed SNAP eligibility rules effective May 1, 2026. IARF is partnering with IDHS to connect individuals, families, and provider organizations with critical information and resources.

➜ Take the IDHS Screener Find Work Requirement Resources

Source: Illinois Department of Human Services  ·  Updated April 2026

Policy Overview

What Changed Under H.R. 1

□

Expanded ABAWD Definition

The federal government broadened who qualifies as an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) — now including adults ages 55–64, and only counting children age 13 and younger as dependents.

□

May 1, 2026 Deadline

ABAWDs who have received SNAP for three months starting February 1, 2026, and have not met or been exempt from work requirements, will lose their benefits on May 1, 2026.

□

Not Everyone Is Affected

Many recipients may already meet requirements or qualify for an exemption. Use the IDHS screener to determine your exact status — don't assume benefits will be cut without checking.

Action Required

Two Steps to Protect Your Benefits

SNAP recipients who may be classified as ABAWDs should take these two steps before May 1, 2026.

1

Check Your ABAWD Status

Use the IDHS online screener to find out if you are classified as an ABAWD, whether you already meet work requirements, and whether you qualify for an exemption — with the correct form to file one.

➜ Take the Screener — English
➜ Cuestionario — Español

2

Find Ways to Meet the Requirement

ABAWDs who are not exempt can satisfy the new requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in approved training or education programs. IDHS has compiled a statewide resource directory.

➜ SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

Compliance Options

Ways to Meet the Work Requirement

□

Employment

Working at least 80 hours per month in paid employment qualifies toward the requirement.

□

Volunteering

Participating in approved volunteer activities can satisfy the monthly hour requirement.

□

Job Training

Enrollment in approved job skills or workforce development programs qualifies.

□

Education Programs

Approved educational programs including GED prep and adult education count toward compliance.

For a complete list of qualifying activities and local resources, visit SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov.

Who May Be Exempt

Common Exemption Categories

You may be exempt from SNAP work requirements if you are:

• Physically or mentally unfit for work
• Pregnant
• Caring for a dependent child under age 6
• The primary caregiver for a child under 18
• Currently enrolled in school or a training program
• Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
• Regularly participating in a work-related activity
• Receiving unemployment compensation

This is not an exhaustive list. Use the IDHS Screener to determine your specific exemption status and access the correct form to file.

Share With Your Network

Ready-to-Use Social Media Posts

Help IARF and IDHS reach more individuals by sharing these official posts on your organization's social media platforms.

□□ English □ Español

□ Facebook / LinkedIn — English

□ IMPORTANT UPDATE □
Congress and President Trump have made changes to SNAP and some customers will lose benefits on May 1, 2026 if they aren't meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

Here's what to do:

1) Complete the screener to see if you are impacted and whether you may be able to file an exemption:
https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

2) Customers can meet the new requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit:
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=177800

□ Copy Post Text

□ Facebook / LinkedIn — Español

□ACTUALIZACIÓN IMPORTANTE □
El Congreso y el presidente Trump han hecho cambios al programa de SNAP, y algunos beneficiarios podrían perder sus beneficios a partir del 1 de mayo de 2026 si no cumplen con los nuevos requisitos de trabajo o no están exentos de ellos.

Esto es lo que debes hacer:

1) Completa el cuestionario para saber si te afecta y si puedes declarar una exención:
https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=ES

2) Puedes cumplir con los nuevos requisitos trabajando, haciendo voluntariado o participando en un programa de capacitación o educación. Visita:
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=177800

□ Copiar texto del post

IDHS Communications Toolkit

Downloadable Resources

IDHS has produced print-ready flyers, newsletter copy, and social media graphics. Download and distribute to your clients, staff, and communities.

Flyer — Print Ready

SNAP Work Requirements Flyer (English)

One-page printable with key dates, screener QR code, and resource links.

↗ Access via IDHS

Folleto — Para Imprimir

Requisitos de Trabajo de SNAP (Español)

Folleto imprimible con fechas clave, código QR y enlace a recursos en español.

↗ Acceder via IDHS

Social Media Graphic

SNAP Work Requirements Graphic (English)

IDHS-branded image sized for Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

↗ Access via IDHS

Gráfico — Redes Sociales

Gráfico de Requisitos de Trabajo (Español)

Imagen de IDHS para Facebook, LinkedIn e Instagram en español.

↗ Acceder via IDHS

Newsletter Content

SNAP Update Copy for Newsletters

Pre-written newsletter language from IDHS ready to drop into member communications.

↗ Access via IDHS

Full Toolkit

Complete IDHS Communications Toolkit

All assets — flyers, social posts, newsletter copy — in one package from IDHS.

↗ Access Full Toolkit

All resources on this page have been produced by the Illinois Department of Human Services. IARF is distributing this content as a statewide community partner in support of its 2026 Strategic Framework.

□️

IARF Policy Context

Working with the State of Illinois to disseminate information on changes to Medicaid and SNAP under H.R. 1 is a pillar of IARF's 2026 Strategic Framework. Member organizations are encouraged to share these resources with clients, families, and community partners. For policy updates, visit the IARF Policy Action Center or review the 2026 Strategic Framework.