Graham Elementary School

Important Changes to SNAP Benefits Effective February 1st

Attention Families: Significant federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now in effect. These updates may impact your household's eligibility or require action to maintain benefits.

What is changing?

• Expanded Age Range: Work requirements now apply to "Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents" (ABAWDs) ages 18–64 (previously 18–54).

• Household Changes: Adults with children in the home who are 14 or older are now included in the ABAWD definition.

• Eliminated Exemptions: Previous exemptions for individuals experiencing homelessness, Veterans, and youth aging out of foster care have been removed.

How does this affect you? Impacted individuals who do not meet work requirements or qualify for a new exemption may only receive SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period. In Illinois, benefits for those not meeting requirements could begin to be lost as early as May 1, 2026.

What should you do?

1. Check your status: Use the ABE SNAP Work Requirements Screener to see if these requirements apply to you.

2. Watch your mail: IDHS has mailed notices and exemption forms to impacted customers.

3. Stay informed: Visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the latest updates and detailed information.

Our goal is to ensure every family in our community stays informed and fed. Please review these changes today to prevent any loss of coverage.

#SPS186 #CommunityResources #SNAPUpdates #FamilySupport

Your input is vital to the success of our school!

From February 3 to March 13, 2026, we invite all parents and guardians to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey.

Why Your Participation Matters:

• Predicts Student Success: Research shows that schools strong in the "5Essentials"—including Involved

  Families— are 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading.

• Guides School Improvement: Your feedback helps us understand the unique conditions at your child’s school and directly guides our improvement plans.

• Confidential and Secure: Your identity and individual responses are completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.

• Reach Our Goal: We need at least 20% parent participation to receive a parent report, which provides our leadership with critical data to better serve our families.
  

For your voice to be heard CLICK HERE : 5Essential Survey For Parents

Together, we can create the best possible learning environment for our students!
#5Essentials #SchoolImprovement #ParentVoice #SPS186

Upcoming Mobile DMV Event at the Salvation Army!

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office will be hosting a Mobile DMV Event this Friday, January 30th for community members to access essential DMV services.

Event Details:
Location: The Salvation Army at 1600 E Clearlake Ave, Springfield, IL
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Services Available:
Obtain a REAL ID
Renew Driver’s Licenses
Renew State IDs
Purchase Vehicle Stickers

Appointments:
If you require an appointment, please contact Juan Huerta, Deputy Director of Public Engagement, at 217-782-8895 or 217-900-0429.