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. 6, 2025 – The federal government will fund only half of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, as the federal government shutdown continues.
This update follows a court order on Nov. 3, 2025, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
IDHS reports that issuing reduced SNAP benefits will be a more complicated process. Therefore, November SNAP benefits will be delayed by days or weeks.
IDHS states that SNAP customers will receive at most 50% of their normal benefit. The agency also warns that in many cases, the federal government will pay far less than that amount, and many customers will not receive any SNAP benefits for November.
Recipients can still use the benefits left on their cards from previous months.
IDHS says it is exploring how payments will work in Illinois and will keep customers updated on this evolving situation.
SNAP beneficiaries should visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the most up-to-date information 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!