Illinois
Illinoisans could stop receiving SNAP benefits in November. Here’s what to know
Illinois candidates compete for U.S. Sen. Durbin’s seat | Video
Several candidates took questions in Springfield on Oct. 11, 2025. Hear from some of the candidates.
Illinoisans will stop receiving food assistance starting Nov. 1 if the federal government has not reopened.
Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have informed all states that it will not fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits unless the government opens, according to an Oct. 16 press release from the Illinois Department of Human Services that administers the program within Illinois.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
Gov. JB Pritzker “condemned” Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration for withholding federal funding.
“Working families across Illinois are about to go without food assistance because Trump and Congressional Republicans want to score political points and refuse to reach a deal that reopens the federal government,” he stated.
Pritzker also asked, “Why is it that they can find the money during a shutdown to pay their masked federal agents wreaking havoc in our communities but not help people in need put food on the table?”
1.9 million people use the program in Illinois.
The program is 100% federally funded and receives more than $350 million for the program monthly. Illinois does not have the ability to fund the program, the press release read.
Around 42 million people in the U.S. use the program, according to a USA Today report.
USDA informed state agencies about the lack of funding in a letter dated Oct. 10.
The governor added that “one child going hungry in America is one too many – this used to be a value we could all agree upon. The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans need to do their damn job and start delivering for the American people.”
The shutdown reached its 16th day on Oct. 16 after the U.S. Senate failed for the eighth time to get enough votes to overcome a budget impasse.
(This story was updated with new information.)
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.