SNAP Connect Can Help
Organizations across Illinois are helping residents navigate recent SNAP policy changes and maintain access to critical nutrition assistance benefits.
Through SNAP Connect, community partners can access trained Community Health Workers (CHWs)
and Outreach Specialists who provide outreach, education, and navigation support to individuals
and families impacted by these changes.
The Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) is one of three statewide SNAP Connect Hubs working in partnership with local health departments, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers to train and deploy Community Health Workers throughout Illinois.
Partner Hubs
Together, the three SNAP Connect Hubs serve Illinois. As a statewide Hub, IPHA works in 40 counties and coordinates with a network of 23 partner organizations, including Local Health Departments (LHDs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and other healthcare organizations. This network of trained Community Health Workers provides outreach, education, benefits navigation, and resource connections to individuals and families affected by SNAP policy changes.
What is SNAP?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly called food stamps, is a government program that allows families and individuals the choice to purchase the food they need for healthy lives. In Illinois, SNAP benefits are provided on a Illinois Link Card that looks and works like a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP benefits help people afford the healthy food they need to thrive. The program is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Human Services administers the program in Illinois.
Community Health Workers Are Here to Help
Community Health Workers (CHWs) bridge the gap between people and SNAP. As trusted community members, they can help former SNAP recipients regain their eligibility. They can also help with navigating the complex application and connecting people to food pantries and other local services.
How CHWs help:
Education
Raise awareness of SNAP among eligible residents.
Eligibility Screening
Conduct informal screenings during routine interactions.
Navigation & Referrals
Connect people with the right services and support.
Enrollment Support
Help with recertification and reporting to maintain benefits.
Trust & Advocacy
Build trust, empower self-advocacy, and support long-term system navigation.
SNAP Rules Are Changing!
Here's What You Need to Know.
On July 4, 2025, the federal government passed a new law that makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link in Illinois. Illinois and all other states are now required to implement these rules. On May 1, many Illinois SNAP customers lost benefits due to new restrictions imposed by the federal government. The changes could affect your neighbor’s SNAP eligibility or require them to take extra steps to receive SNAP benefits.
SNAP recipients who lost their benefits can find out if they may qualify for an exemption and how to meet work requirements by working, volunteering, and/or participating in a training or education program here: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov.
Work Reporting Requirements
Effective February 1, 2026
Many people between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have dependents under the age of 14 will be required to work or volunteer for a minimum of 80 hours per month to keep SNAP benefits.
To meet this requirement, a person must work (paid or unpaid), participate in SNAP Employment & Training Programs, volunteer or do community service, or any combination of the above.
Federal changes to SNAP mean Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) lost benefits on May 1, 2026, if:
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The recipient had received SNAP for three months, starting February 1, 2026, and
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The recipient didn’t meet or was not exempt from work requirements
The federal government expanded who is considered an ABAWD (adding 55–64-year-olds and only counting children 13 years and younger as dependents) and is subject to these new requirements.
Former SNAP recipients who lost SNAP benefits may be able to regain eligibility by becoming exempt or meeting the work requirement for a 30-day period.
SNAP Connect Resources for CHWs
Resources, including guides and materials, to connect clients to SNAP support services.
Communications Toolkit
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has put together a communications toolkit with important resources and information for ABAWDs. This includes social media posts, newsletter content, and flyers to distribute. Click here.
Social Media
IDHS has also been posting important updates on social media. You can easily share the below IDHS social media posts with your followers and help amplify this information across your platforms.
Employment, Training,
and Volunteer Resources.
SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have dependents under the age of 14 are required to work or volunteer for a minimum of 80 hours per month to keep SNAP benefits.
Below is a list of job websites to share as a resource:
Additional Resources
IDHS: Connecting to Opportunities to Meet Work Requirements
Work Requirements
Medical
Expenses
Non-Citizens SNAP Eligibility
VTTC
Funding
Double Up Food Bucks
SNAP Requirements Greater Chicago Food Depository
Snap Work Requirements
IL Application for Benefits Eligibility
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency (State of Illinois Department of Human Services) that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027), found online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This material was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Social Services Block Grant