CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS) — Major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are set to begin on December 1, 2025.
Champaign County Healthcare Consumers, a local group that helps residents apply for and maintain their SNAP benefits, says many people are worried about how the new rules will affect them.
The organization reports a surge in calls, especially from adults ages 18 to 64 who will now have to meet new work requirements to keep receiving benefits.
“You can work up to 20 hours. That can be full-time or part-time. You can volunteer, you can self-initiate community service, or you can combine any of those three,” said Nicole Mitchell of Champaign County Healthcare Consumers.
Mitchell explained that several groups will be exempt from the new requirements, including those with chronic illnesses, people with physical or mental disabilities, pregnant individuals, and parents with a child under 14.
The updated rules also include new restrictions for immigrants.
Only green card holders who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years will remain eligible.
“Some of the most vulnerable of our immigrants are going to lose their SNAP benefits — the refugees, those seeking asylum, those who have just been in dangerous situations,” Mitchell said.
She stressed how important it will be for recipients to stay informed.
“Keeping up with your mail is going to be the best way to avoid anxiety or worry right now. We’re here to help anyone who needs assistance with SNAP or resubmitting information. We can help make it quick and painless,” Mitchell said.
Another staff member, Shea Belahi, who works directly with disability applicants, fears the impact on those waiting for approval.
“Many of my clients who are applying for disability are unable to work while their application is pending, and that process can take 8 to 12 months,” Belahi said.
According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, people who don’t meet the new rules could start losing benefits as early as May 1.
If someone goes three months without meeting the requirements, they may be blocked from receiving SNAP for up to three years.
More than 340,000 Illinois residents rely on SNAP, including 31,000 in Champaign County, 34,000 in Sangamon County, and 25,000 in Macon County.
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