Some Illinois SNAP families who lose benefits may get a $400 payment—here’s what you need to know

Illinois SNAP recipients who lose SNAP benefits because of changes to the program will receive a one-time payment of $400 from a special fund, according to a July 30 statement from the governor’s office.

Changes to the SNAP program from the “Big Beautiful Bill,” also called H.R. 1, which was signed into law in July 2025, mean that many Illinois residents have to meet expanded federal work requirements (or prove they’re exempt) in order to keep getting benefits.

If you or someone in your household doesn’t meet the work requirements in time or prove they’re exempt, then they may lose SNAP benefits—that’s what makes you eligible for the one-time $400 payment.

Who is eligible to receive the $400?#who-is-eligible-to-receive-the-400

Anyone in a SNAP household in Illinois that loses SNAP benefits because they didn’t meet the federal SNAP work requirements (and used up the three month period of benefits you can get without meeting them) is eligible to get the $400 payment.

If multiple adults in your household lose SNAP benefits because of the new rules around work requirements, they’re each eligible for the $400 payment. You can still get the money even if you’re waiting to have your SNAP benefits reinstated.

You don’t need to do anything to get the $400, it will deposit automatically on your Illinois Link Card if you qualify.

The payments are coming from a special state program called the FRESH Program (Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger), designed to help SNAP families who are impacted by changes to SNAP. The state will keep paying out the $400 to anyone who’s eligible until the $70 million fund runs out.

What should I do if I lost my SNAP benefits?#what-should-i-do-if-i-lost-my-snap-benefits

If you lost your SNAP benefits because of the new work requirements, you may still be able to get them back if you can show you’ve met the SNAP work requirements for a 30 day period.

You meet the SNAP work requirements if you’re working, volunteering, or participating in job training for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours per month). You may need to show proof like paystubs, an employment verification form, or last year’s tax returns in order to meet the work requirements.

You may also be able to receive SNAP again if you can show that you’re exempt from SNAP work requirements. You may be exempt if you are:

• Unable to work due to a physical or mental health reason
• Pregnant or live with someone under 14 as part of your household
• A member of certain Native American or Alaska Native tribes or groups
• In an area with high unemployment rates where SNAP work requirements have been waived

Call ABE Customer Service at 1-800-843-6154 or visit your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) for help regaining your SNAP eligibility.