SPRINGFIELD, Illinois — Up to 150,000 Illinois households could lose federal food assistance beginning May 1 due to new eligibility rules tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The law introduced stricter work requirements and limits on who qualifies for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Recipients who cannot meet the new standards may only receive benefits for three months within a three-year period.
State officials estimate more than 250,000 households are affected overall, with 150,000 at immediate risk of losing benefits if they fail to submit required documentation. The changes also narrow eligibility for immigrants, excluding groups such as asylum seekers and certain trafficking survivors.
Advocates and lawmakers gathered in Springfield to push for state-level solutions. Proposed legislation includes one-time $600 payments for families losing benefits, expanded assistance for vulnerable immigrants, and a task force to assess the impact of the federal changes.
Supporters argue the cuts could force families to choose between essentials like food, housing, and healthcare. Programs offering job training and volunteer opportunities are being promoted as ways for recipients to maintain eligibility.
The changes come as nearly 1 million Illinois households currently rely on SNAP, underscoring the potential scale of the impact.
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