The Brief
- New SNAP work rules take effect with a May 1 deadline for some recipients
- Adults 18 to 64 must log 80 hours a month or qualify for an exemption
- Local businesses in Forest Park expect sales and staffing impacts
FOREST PARK, Ill. – A new federal SNAP work requirement takes effect this week, putting some recipients at risk of losing benefits by Friday, May 1, while local businesses and food banks warn the changes will affect both households and the broader community.
The rule requires certain SNAP recipients to log at least 80 hours a month of work, training or volunteer time to keep benefits. The policy stems from federal changes included in last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The change matters now because people who do not meet the requirement or qualify for an exemption by May 1 risk losing food assistance, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.…