A coalition of non-profits and community organizations across the state are warning that more than 200,000 Illinoisans receiving money from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could lose benefits beginning May 1.
Bills the coalition is looking to pass include one that would provide a one-time $600 payment to recipients impacted by the changes to eligibility and one to expand eligibility for legal migrants who would otherwise qualify.
The bills could cost a combined total of $130 million, according to Danielle Perry of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Republican State Rep. Steve Reick said lump sum payments are a slippery slope.
Perry said the payments would truly be one-time only, and the coalition is not seeking to renew the bill or further expand state expenditure for SNAP recipients.
Other lawmakers said new federal work requirements and eligibility changes were needed.
The error rate in payment amounts, both over and under, was 11.4% as of 2024, according to the USDA.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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