To receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between the ages of 18 and 49 must comply with a work requirement, unless they are exempt or live in areas with federal waivers. Starting from November 1, 2023, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has granted Illinois an extension on its waiver, allowing the state to remain exempt from the SNAP Work Requirement Time-Limited Benefits policy until October 31, 2024 (Illinois Department of Human Services [IDHS], 2024a). The extension is justified by Illinois’ unemployment rate of 5.0%, which surpasses the national average of 4.2% by 20% during the 24-month period spanning from April 2021 to March 2023. (United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2024). This implies that for now SNAP ABAWD participants will continue to receive SNAP benefits irrespective of their employment status. However, what consequences could emerge once the waiver expires, and the work requirement is reinstated?
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