NW Side event will provide info, resources on new SNAP eligibility requirements  

by BRIAN NADIG

New federal requirements that could put some residents at risk of losing their SNAP benefits will be discussed at a community event this week hosted by state Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-19), state Senator Robert Martwick (D-10), the Greater Chicago Food Depository and several local human service groups.

It will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Friendship Community Place, 5150 N. Northwest Hwy., in Jefferson Park. A regular weekly hot meal for those in need will be provided by Friendship Community Place directly before the event from 3 to 5 p.m.

SNAP stands for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, once known as “food stamps,” which helps low-income families and the disabled with their food purchases.

“We know many of our Far Northwest Side neighbors struggle with rising costs. On top of this, the federal government’s changes to SNAP starting February 1st create additional burdens for our local families when it comes to food access, LaPointe said. “By hosting this event, we’re setting our neighbors up for success, ensuring that no one accidentally loses their benefits because of an administrative misstep or red tape.

We also aim to connect area residents to local organizations, including our food pantries, who can help with future recertifications and offer volunteer opportunities.”

Changes to SNAP’s certification process come after President Trump last year signed H.R. 1, also known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Significant changes to SNAP include reapplications every six months instead of annually and an 80-hour per month work or volunteer requirement for able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 64. Previously the age was 54.

Examples of exemptions to work or volunteer requirements include disabilities, active behavioral health treatment, families with children under 14, and chronic homelessness—all of which require proactive paperwork, according to LaPointe’s office. Previously families with children as old as 18 could qualify for an exemption.

The changes went effect Feb. 1, and recipients on SNAP have until May 1, to meet these requirements or receive an exemption.

“The event will offer both SNAP recipients and local organizations critical information on the changes, as well as opportunities to network and connect so area SNAP recipients can fulfill the federal government’s work or volunteer requirement,” LaPointe and Martwick said in a statement.

The state Department of Human Services reports that more than 340,000 people in Illinois are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits due to the new rules. There are 12,099 people on SNAP in the Illinois 19th House District. In Illinois, SNAP recipients receive a Link card which they can use to make purchases at many food stores.

A LaPointe spokesperson said that there has been outreach efforts the area’s unhoused individuals to make sure that they are aware of the new requirements.

For those who already meet the requirements for an exemption, the community event will help provide assistance on filling out and submitting the paperwork.

For more information, contact LaPointe’s district office at info@replapointe.com or 773-647-1174.

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