On May 1, new requirements go into effect for certain people attempting to get SNAP benefits.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - On May 1, new requirements go into effect for certain people attempting to get SNAP benefits.

Under new federal legislation, the definition of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) has expanded. ABAWDs are SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 who are fit for work and don't have dependents under the age of 14.

A new rule went into effect on Feb. 1 that said ABAWDs can only get SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period unless they are exempted or meet the work requirement. That means on May 1, hundreds of thousands of people across the US will lose eligibility. 

"Up to 150,000 Illinoisans are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits on May 1st, and over 100,000 more over the course of the next year," said Anusha Thotakura, executive director of Citizen Action Illinois. "Over 250,000 Illinoisans could be impacted, and this is going to be the largest drop in SNAP participation in our state's history because of the federal changes coming from H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill." 

Thotakura said many SNAP recipients are already working enough hours to remain eligible, but confusion over paperwork is making it difficult for them to prove their status. She worries that most of the people losing access to SNAP assistance will do so because of the logistical process, not because they won't work enough hours. 

"For people who don't have access to stable internet or a stable phone, jumping through the hoops of having to contact people through a hotline, or speak to someone to help them navigate this issue can be incredibly burdensome," Thotakura said. "This is going to be a factor for hundreds of thousands of people across the country who are working or who do meet these exemptions but are still going to lose access to SNAP because of their inability to jump through these hoops that have been put in place." 

Some exemptions to the ABAWD requirements include being pregnant, chronically homeless, physically or mentally disabled, in an addiction program and many others. For a full list of exemptions, you can click this link.

Thotakura encourages anyone concerned about their SNAP eligibility to reach out to local resources. She recommends the Save Our Snap website for resources. 

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