When the U.S. government shuts down, the ripple effects land hardest on families who depend on safety-net programs, childcare, and health care. For women and mothers in Illinois, understanding what continues, what may pause, and how to prepare is essential.

Benefits That Continue During a Shutdown

In Illinois, the Department of Human Services (IDHS) has stated that October benefits will not be interrupted. This includes:

SNAP (Link card) WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program) Medicaid / All Kids / FamilyCare TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Early Intervention services

These programs are expected to deliver benefits on schedule. However, new applications, renewals, or paperwork may face delays.

Food & Nutrition Support

SNAP (Link): Benefits should be loaded as usual, but future months may depend on federal funding agreements. WIC: Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under five remain eligible. IDHS and local clinics administer these benefits. Food Pantries: If you experience gaps, food banks like the Greater Chicago Food Depository can provide both groceries and help with applications.

Action step: If you rely on SNAP or WIC, check your renewal dates now and submit paperwork early.

Health Care & Maternal Services

Medicaid and CHIP (All Kids, FamilyCare): Coverage continues during a shutdown. Prenatal and postpartum care: Most services remain active, though some grant-funded programs may pause. Public health programs: Agencies like the CDC and NIH may scale back, delaying non-urgent health updates or research.

Action step: Keep copies of insurance cards, prescriptions, and medical records. Call your clinic if you have upcoming visits to confirm schedules.

Childcare & Education

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Still active in Illinois, though processing could slow. Head Start / Early Head Start: Programs may be at risk if the shutdown extends, as they rely on federal grants. School meals: Usually protected, but local school districts could face disruptions if the shutdown lasts.

Action step: Ask your provider or school district about contingency plans. Explore backup childcare arrangements if possible.

Employment & Income

Federal workers and contractors: Over 150,000 federal employees in Illinois may be furloughed or asked to work without pay. Federal employees should receive back pay; contractors may not. Unemployment insurance: Managed by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) — applications may take longer to process. TANF and state cash aid: Expected to continue, but families should monitor IDHS updates.

Action step: Build a barebones budget. Contact landlords or lenders early if you anticipate trouble paying bills.

Safety & Legal Supports

Domestic violence shelters and hotlines: Some rely on federal grants but often receive state or nonprofit support. Legal aid and family court services: Civil cases may slow; urgent matters (custody, protective orders) typically continue.

Action step: Save contact info for local shelters, hotlines, and legal aid services now in case of emergency.

What You Can Do Right Now

Check IDHS benefit status and log into the ABE portal. Apply or renew early for SNAP, WIC, TANF, or Medicaid. Prepare documents (IDs, proof of income, prescriptions). Map community supports like food pantries, legal aid, or women’s shelters. Cut non-essentials and create a lean budget. Sign up for alerts from IDHS and your county health department.

Resources for Illinois Families

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) ABE – Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility Illinois WIC Program We Got You Illinois – Family Support Programs Illinois SNAP / Link Greater Chicago Food Depository – Benefits Help Illinois Legal Aid – WIC & Benefits Rights National Resources (for other states): Benefits.gov USA.gov – Government Shutdown Updates Dial 211 for local referrals in any state National Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

A shutdown doesn’t just stall government offices — it touches homes, kitchens, and classrooms. By staying informed, preparing paperwork early, and knowing where to turn for help, mothers and families in Illinois can better weather the uncertainty. Share this guide with others in your network so no mom has to face it alone.