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.

Nearly 2M Illinoisans still need federal food benefits, most in Chicago

By Sachi Gaonkar

07/18/2025

Although enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program declined marginally in April, nearly 2 million Illinoisans still depend on the federal food aid. Illinois’ food insecurity has yet to recover from the pandemic.

TAGS: SNAP

What you need to know about welfare work requirements in Illinois

By Jack Knorr

07/15/2025

Congress just put work requirements in place for some receiving federal health care and food assistance benefits. What does that mean for the 1-in-4 Illinois residents currently on Medicaid?

TAGS: welfare

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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

Nearly 2M Illinoisans still need federal food benefits, most in Chicago

What you need to know about welfare work requirements in Illinois

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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