(WAND) - Big changes are coming to SNAP benefit eligibility next month.
Some believe this could leave thousands without benefits, but the Illinois Department of Human Services is working to hire more employees to help people access SNAP.
About $1 billion in SNAP benefit funding was cut from the Big Beautiful Bill.
Work requirements have also changed, including hours and age eligibility.
According to the Save Our SNAP Coalition, nearly 1 million Illinois households received SNAP benefits in February 2026.
Over 250,000 households will be affected by the changes beginning May 1.
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