But the state’s error rate is the fifth highest in the country, which could lead to costly penalties.
Food stamp enrollment in Illinois fell to a 13-year low in August.
Just over 1.4 million state residents received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in 2017. Augustdown more than 23% compared to August 2025 and the state record low dating back to 2013.
August was the ninth consecutive month of enrollment declines in Illinois.
The largest of these recent declines follows benefit losses beginning May 1 under expanded federal work requirements. Enrollment in the state fell 13.2% from April to August.
To address the loss of benefits, Illinois is spending $70 million on FRESHwhich began Aug. 1 and provides a one-time payment of $400 per eligible person whose benefits ended or decreased under work rules. FRESH does not restore SNAP eligibility.
About 1 in 9 Illinois residents receive SNAP benefits. Chicago accounted for about 31% of beneficiaries, with 16% of its population enrolled.
The highest rate, approaching 27 percent, was in the Alexander-Pulaski region in the southern tip of the state.
The Kane-Kendall area and McHenry County had the lowest turnout rates at 4.6% and 5%. Some counties are lumped together in the totals.
Declining enrollment does not eliminate taxpayer exposure. Illinois Payment Error Rates reached 14.67% in FY 2025significantly higher than all its bordering states and fifth among the 50 states.
The error rate measures overpayments and underpayments, not fraud; overpayments were more than 90 percent of Illinois’ rate.
Failure to improve the error rate could cost Illinois hundreds of millions of dollars. Federal SNAP changes mean that if Illinois does not improve, the state could be required to cover 15% of benefit costs, or more than 500 million dollars per year, depending on registrations. Illinois qualifies for a delay in this penalty until October 2028.
In addition, since October 1, states must cover 75% of regular SNAP administrative costs, instead of 50%. Illinois budgeted more than $100 million for SNAP administration for fiscal year 2027, up from $60 million.
Illinois can learn from its more successful neighbors. Accurate administration protects taxpayers while preserving assistance for eligible families.
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