Not counting months against the time limit when a single parent participating in an approved post-secondary program maintains a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Employment For single-adult families, working or participating in work preparation for at least 30 hours per week. For two-parent families, the requirement is work or work preparation for at least 35 hours per week. Family Stability Cooperation with child support including paternity establishment. Minors who don't have a child under 12 weeks old must have graduated, be in school or have a GED to receive benefits.
Children can save money from their jobs.
Mothers with a child under age one are exempt from the mandatory work requirement. Personal Responsibility Losing cash benefit eligibility permanently if convicted of a Class X or Class I drug-related felony crime in Illinois or its Federal equivalent. The children are still eligible. This does not apply to Food Stamps or Medicaid. Being ineligible for two years if convicted of any other drug-related felony without entering a treatment or aftercare program.