Illinois work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

What the 80-hour rule means in Illinois, who runs it, and where to send your proof.

🛒 SNAP in Illinois

Called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), run by Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

Adults 18–64 without a child under 14 at home need 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or training, or an exemption, to keep SNAP past 3 months in 3 years.

🩺 Medicaid in Illinois

Expansion coverage is called Illinois Medicaid - ACA Adults. Illinois expanded Medicaid, so the work rule applies to adults 19–64 in the expansion group, starting January 1, 2027.

Run by Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).

📌 Work requirements apply to ACA Adults applying after 5pm 2026-12-31 and to current enrollees at first redetermination on/after 2027-01-01. SNAP: no ABAWD time-limit waiver in effect as of 2026-10-01 per USDA FNS; time limit applies statewide. Statewide ABAWD waiver ended; time limit enforced from 2026-02-01. IDHS has an ABAWD exemption screener.

Where to report and upload proof

ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility): report changes and upload documents
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work rules (official)
Illinois Medicaid - ACA Adults (official)

Always follow the deadlines in the letters Illinois sends you. If you get a notice about work requirements, answer it before the due date, even if you think you’re exempt.

What counts toward 80 hours

Paid work, including gig work like delivery or rideshare
Volunteering or community service (usually with a nonprofit or public agency)
Job training or a work program, including SNAP Employment & Training
For Medicaid: school at least half-time, or monthly income of at least $580

Check if you’re exempt · How to prove volunteer hours

Keep proof of every hour

my80hours is a free app that logs your hours, saves photos of pay stubs and sign-in sheets, gets volunteer letters signed, and makes a PDF for your caseworker. No sign-up. Your info stays on your phone.

Start my free log

State details last checked October 10, 2026.

This page explains federal rules as of October 10, 2026. It is not legal advice and my80hours is not a government site. Your state sets many details, so always follow the notices your state sends you, and ask your caseworker or a legal aid office if you’re unsure.

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