SNAP Benefits Still Frozen for 2 Million Illinoisans Despite Court Orders, State Officials Say

CHICAGO — Nearly 2 million Illinois residents remain without access to their SNAP food aid benefits, even after two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to release the funds, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of low-income Americans buy groceries. About 1 in 8 Americans relies on the program to meet their food needs.

What’s happening

The Trump administration previously said it wouldn’t fund SNAP due to the federal government shutdown, prompting Illinois and more than 20 other states to sue. On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the administration must resume payments, but IDHS said the money remains on hold.

Officials are currently reviewing the court orders and noted that, even if funds are released, it could take one to two weeks for benefits to reach residents.

SNAP benefits issued in previous months can still be used, the agency said.

Where to find help

Until payments resume, Illinois residents can seek assistance from local food banks and pantries:

Cook County: Visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository and click on the Find Food page.
Northern Illinois counties (Boone, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will, and Winnebago): Go to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and click Get Groceries.

For updates, visit the IDHS SNAP Federal Impact Center or call the IDHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154. Residents can also sign up for text alerts by contacting the same number.

State officials said they will continue posting updates online as the situation evolves.

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