The main changes going into effect in February 2026 for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) relate to the enforcement of the expanded ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) work requirements and the associated 3-month time limit in a 3-year period. These stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (signed July 4, 2025), which expanded who is subject to these stricter rules.

Key Changes Effective February 2026

• In many states (including Illinois, where you're located in Chicago/Cook County), February 2026 marks the first countable month toward the ABAWD time limit for those newly subject to the rules who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption.
  • This means if you're an ABAWD and don't comply (e.g., work/volunteer/train at least 80 hours per month), February counts as month 1 of your 3-month limit. After 3 non-compliant months, benefits can end (with potential loss as early as April/May 2026 in some cases, depending on state processing).
• States like Illinois delayed full enforcement to February 1, 2026 (due to factors like court rulings or implementation adjustments), while others (e.g., Delaware) warned of potential benefit ends as early as February 1, 2026, for non-compliant individuals.
• This follows phased rollouts: Many states began notifying recipients and screening in late 2025 (e.g., December notices), with compliance checks ramping up in early 2026.

Who Is Affected?

The expanded rules apply to ABAWDs: able-bodied adults aged 18–64 without a dependent child under 14 (previously under 18 for exemption). This includes:

• Newly covered groups: Adults aged 55–64 (previously exempt up to 54/55 in many cases).
• Parents with children aged 14+ (no longer fully exempt).
• Removal/limitation of prior exemptions (e.g., for veterans, homeless individuals, former foster youth in many cases).

To avoid the time limit, ABAWDs must:

• Work (paid, unpaid, volunteer) or participate in approved training/Employment and Training programs for at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours/week).
• General work requirements (e.g., registering for work, not quitting jobs) continue to apply separately for ages 16–59.

Waivers are now very limited (only for areas with unemployment >10%, or specific non-contiguous states), so most areas enforce the rules.

What About Retired and Disabled Individuals?

As previously noted, these groups remain largely exempt:

• Disabled: Exempt if receiving SSI/SSDI, have a certified physical/mental limitation preventing 20+ hours/week work, or meet other disability criteria. Households of only elderly/disabled are not subject to work rules.
• Retired: Age 65+ are exempt from ABAWD rules (and often general requirements). Under-65 retirees often qualify via disability or other exemptions if unable to work.
• Report any exemptions (e.g., medical docs, SSI proof) to your Illinois DHS caseworker to confirm status—exemptions prevent time limit application.

In Illinois specifically (per recent notices from IDHS and local reports), February 1, 2026, is when the work requirement clock starts for non-exempt individuals in many areas, including Cook County. Leaders have warned of impacts, so contact your local SNAP office or call the Illinois DHS hotline if you received a notice.

For the most accurate, personalized info, check with the Illinois Department of Human Services (dhs.state.il.us or your local office) or USDA's SNAP site (fns.usda.gov/snap), as state implementation can vary slightly. If your situation involves exemptions, update your case promptly to avoid issues.