Welcome Illinois SNAP R​​ecipien​ts!​

Virtual Tools to Support Your Journey​​​​​
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​​ SNAP Work Help – Full Screen

​Do you need to work to keep SNAP?

You may need to work, train, or volunteer. This free Illinois program can help you understand your options and take the next step.

Who may be exempt

  • People with a health condition
  • Caregivers for a child or adult
  • People in drug or alcohol treatment
  • People who are homeless or in crisis
Need help? Call 1-800-843-6154 or visit your Family Community Resource Center.

Free help to meet SNAP rules

The Illinois SNAP Workforce Partnership (ISWP) helps you meet SNAP work requirements at no cost.

  • Work, train, or volunteer 80 hours a month
  • Job training and skill building
  • Local job fairs and hiring events

What you need to sign up

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • ZIP code
  • Email address
Social Security Number is optional. Sign-up takes about 5 minutes.

What happens after you sign up

  • Get a confirmation email
  • Access job training and tools
  • Receive reminders about local events
Contact Us • Help & Support • Accessibility • Language Options

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​Do You Need Help Meeting the SNAP Work Requirement? We’re Here to Help.​​​​

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Starting February 1, 2026, new rules may affect your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 

This may apply to you if you: 

  • Are 18 to 64 years old 

  • Do not live with a child under 14 

  • Are physically and mentally able to work 80 hours a month 

You may be an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD). Federal rules say ABAWDs can only receive SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period unless they meet the SNAP Work Requirement or qualify for an exemption. 

 To keep your SNAP, ABAWDs must complete 80 hours each month by: 

  • Working 

  • Participating in an approved work program 

  • Volunteering 

  • Or doing a mix of these activities. 

This applies to you if you receive SNAP and need a way to complete the 80 hours of work, training, or volunteering each month to keep your benefits. 

Note: If you use your 3 months of SNAP in the 3-year period, you may be able to get SNAP again if you start meeting the work requirement or qualify for an exemption.  

Illinois SNAP Workforce Partnership (ISWP) 

ISWP is a free online training program for people who receive SNAP and are ABAWDs. It helps you meet the SNAP Work Requirement while you build skills to get a job or grow in your career. 

This program is offered through a public-private partnership between the Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).​ 


With ISWP, you will get: 

  • Job readiness training to help you prepare for work 

  • Support to help you meet the SNAP Work Requirement 

  • Updates on in-person workforce events near you 

  • Invitations to virtual hiring fairs and in-person job fairs 

  • Connections to other workforce programs based on your interests 

Note: If you use your 3 months of SNAP in the 3‑year period, you may be able to get SNAP again if you enroll in ISWP, complete 80 hours in one calendar month, and report this to IDHS. ​

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​​ Are you Exempt?​

First, check if you qualify for an exe​mption. If not, register now to start the enrollment process and meet your SNAP Work Requirement.  Find more details about exemptions - click HERE​.


Step 1: Check if You Qualify for an Exemption 

Before you register for ISWP, check if you qualify for an exemption. If you qualify, you do not need to meet the SNAP Work Requirement. 

Examples of reasons you may not need to meet the SNAP Work Requirement (exemptions): 

  • You have a physical or mental health challenge that makes it hard to get or keep a job. This can include homelessness or domestic violence. 

  • You are caring for a child or someone who needs help caring for themselves. 

  • You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program or suffering from substance addiction. 

  • There are other exemptions. Use the ABE Portal: SNAP Work Requirements Screener to see the full list and check if you may qualify.  

If you think you qualify, contact your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) or call ABE Customer Service at 1-800-843-6154. 

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​Step 2: Register for ISWP 

If you do not qualify for an exemption, the ISWP can help you: 

  • Meet the SNAP Work Requirement 

  • Build skills to get a job or grow in your career 

  • Receive updates on job fairs, hiring events, and workforce programs near you 

To register, you’ll need to share your: 

  • Name 
  • Date of Birth 
  • Zip Code (so we can share local in-person events) 
  • Social Security Number (Optional). This helps connect your registration to your IDHS SNAP case, but you do not have to provide it. 
  • Email Address  Don't have an email address?

  • ​​​​​You’ll need an email address to register and receive your confirmation email. Here are your options: 

      • Create a free email account through providers like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Click here to create a free Gmail address.

      • Use Illinois workNet to set up an account and access additional workforce resources.  

Step 3: Confirm Your Email Address and Enroll in ISWP 

After you register: 

  • You’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions to log in and complete your enrollment. 

  • You’ll get access to job readiness training and tools to help you gain skills and meet the SNAP Work Requirement. 

  • You’ll receive reminders and updates about virtual and in-person workforce opportunities based on your career interests.