Illinois Department of Human Services

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Assistant Secretary of Firearm Violence Prevention, Quiwana Bell, for earning the 2026 Restorative Justice Champion Award from BUILD Chicago. This award recognizes government leaders who advance equity, justice, and restorative change.

The Office of Firearm Prevention works to reduce firearm violence by addressing root causes through community investments and expanding access to evidence-based, trauma-informed services for individuals most at risk.

We are thankful for Assistant Secretary Bell’s leadership and continued commitment to building safer, stronger communities across Illinois.

06/05/2026

¿Perdiste tus beneficios de SNAP debido a los nuevos requisitos federales de trabajo de SNAP?

El gobierno federal hizo cambios al programa SNAP, y algunos beneficiarios perdieron sus beneficios si no cumplían con los nuevos requisitos de trabajo o si no estaban exentos de ellos.

📝 Averigua si puedes declarar una exención: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=ES

💻 Puedes recuperar la elegibilidad y cumplir con los nuevos requisitos trabajando, haciendo voluntariado o participando en un programa de capacitación o educación. Visita: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

06/04/2026

The 2026 Illinois Convener Summit in Chicago brought together partners from across Illinois to advance community-driven strategies to prevent violence, strengthen neighborhood safety, and support healing in communities most impacted by gun violence.

IDHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero delivered the summit’s opening remarks, emphasizing the role of community violence intervention as a public health and public safety strategy. They also highlighted the importance of building safety on a foundation of trust, equity, and transparency.

The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention partnered with the University of Illinois Chicago Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement to host the event. We thank our partners and the community leaders whose commitment to safety and well-being make Illinois a leader in community violence intervention.

06/04/2026

🧡 Tomorrow is National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

On June 5, IDHS joins communities across Illinois in to honor survivors of gun violence, remember lives lost, and support the individuals and organizations working every day to build safer communities.

Gun violence impacts individuals, families, and communities across our state — but through prevention, outreach, partnership, and support, communities are creating pathways toward healing and safety.

Join us tomorrow by wearing orange and showing your support.

06/04/2026

🌈 PRIDE IS COMMUNITY.

IDHS is uplifting Central Illinois Friends – a Peoria-based organization providing affirming healthcare, mental health support, HIV/STI services, care coordination, and community support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families across Central Illinois.

In addition to Peoria’s first LGBTQIA+ Community Center and Butler Library, Central Illinois Friends also serves communities through locations in Bloomington-Normal and Galesburg. Their services – including counseling, gender-affirming care, psychiatric services, healthcare navigation, and more – are offered at low-to-no cost thanks to strong community partnerships.

Individuals can learn more about available services, hours, and request appointments online.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.centralillinoisfriends.org/

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

Summer EBT benefits are now being issued in Illinois.

Each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120.

Most eligible families will receive benefits automatically, but some households may still need to apply.

💻 Visit abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal to:
-Check eligibility
-Confirm your information
-Apply if needed

06/02/2026

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements?

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

📝See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

💻 Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

06/02/2026

🧡 June is Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Throughout the month, IDHS is joining communities, survivors, outreach workers, violence prevention professionals, and partners across Illinois in recognizing the ongoing impact of gun violence and uplifting the work being done to build safer communities.

On June 5, wear orange to honor survivors, remember lives lost, and show support for the individuals and organizations working every day to prevent violence and create pathways to healing and opportunity.

Learn more:
🔗 ILGovAlliance.org
🔗 illinoispeaceproject.org/peace-week

06/01/2026

Los beneficios de Summer EBT se están distribuyendo en Illinois.

Cada niño que califique recibirá un beneficio único de $120.

La mayoría de las familias elegibles recibirán los beneficios automáticamente, pero algunos hogares podrían necesitar presentar una solicitud.

💻 Visita abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal para:
• Verificar si calificas
• Confirmar tu información
• Solicitar si es necesario