Update on Federal SNAP Benefits and Food Resources for Families

DSCC can help our participant families find food pantries and other resources as the federal government shutdown continues.

UPDATED on Nov. 14, 2025 – The Illinois Department of Human Services says it’s working to distribute full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended.

IDHS expects the remaining benefit payments to be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20.

To check your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card balance, visit IDHS: Illinois Link Card or call the Illinois Link Help Line at (800) 678-LINK (5456). 

SNAP recipients can still use their benefits left on cards from previous months.

Visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the most up-to-date information from IDHS and to find food in your community.

Resources for Where to Find Food

If your family is affected by this change or needs food support, there are many local and statewide resources available:

• IDHS: Find Food website
• Find Food IL Community Food Map
• Find Food – We Got You Illinois
• Find Food – Feeding Illinois
• Find a Food Pantry or Food Bank in Illinois
• Chicago Food Programs – Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Illinois Department on Aging’s Provider Profile Search
• FoodFinder interactive food assistance map
• Freefood.org
• Findhelp.org resource locator
• 211 food programs and food benefits information
• USDA National Hunger Hotline at (866) 348-6479
• The Free Formula Exchange

These resources can help families locate nearby food pantries, meal programs and other nutrition supports. You can also find more information about local food pantries and other resources in our online Resource Directory.

If you have questions or need more assistance, please contact your Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Care Coordinator. We are here to help!