Illinois risks millions in penalties under new federal law because of errors in determining who qualifies for food assistance. To protect taxpayers and struggling families, the state must increase its administrative precision.

TAGS: SNAP

Food aid feeds almost 2M statewide in May, 1-in-3 in southern counties

By Lauren Zuar

09/12/2025

Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dropped by 3.2% in May. Still, nearly 2 million Illinoisans relied on federal food aid, with participation rates exceeding 30% in some Southern Illinois counties.

Government benefit system traps 710,000 Illinoisans

By Dylan Sharkey

08/14/2025

Benefit programs in Illinois punish people for hard work. An estimated 710,000 Illinoisans have intentionally held themselves back financially to avoid losing government benefits.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Illinois SNAP use falls to lowest in 13 years

Illinois food stamp use drops to lowest in a decade

Illinois budget includes $200,000 to redefine ‘low-income’

Illinois budget proposes $200,000 to redefine ‘low income’

Illinois at risk of losing $700M in SNAP funding from high error rate

Federal aid feeds over 1M Illinois families this Thanksgiving

How many people in your county can’t access SNAP after Nov.1?

Illinois SNAP errors could cost taxpayers up to $700 million in penalties

Food aid feeds almost 2M statewide in May, 1-in-3 in southern counties

Government benefit system traps 710,000 Illinoisans

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit Illinois students?

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students