Summer EBT (aka SUN Bucks)
Summer EBT 2025 (aka SUN Bucks) is a benefits program that provides families a $120 one-time benefit for each eligible school-aged child. The benefits are intended for the household to buy groceries when school is not in session. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school and when households may need help putting meals on the table. Most eligible households will receive benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply.
Summer EBT is available in addition to free meals that children of all ages get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Summer EBT issuances are planned for May 19-26, 2025 for children that are automatically enrolled.*
Note: See important dates for the Summer EBT Screener results below.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Summer EBT Program include children:
- Ages 6-17 with a date of birth between 07/02/2006 and 08/13/2019 that receive Food, Cash, or Medicaid Assistance with income at or below 185% Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) anytime between 07/01/2024 through 08/13/2025; or
- Who attended a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2024-2025 school year and were deemed income-eligible to receive a free or reduced-price lunch through streamlined certification or an application at the school; or
- Who attended a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2024-2025 school year and filed a Summer EBT application and are determined eligible.
- *Note: Children who meet the first two eligibility factors listed above will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT.
Initial Notice of Eligibility for Summer EBT Benefits
Beginning in April 2025 households that are determined eligible for Summer EBT will receive an Initial Notice of Eligiblity for Summer EBT Benefits. These notices will include the child(ren) that are eligible for Summer EBT, information on accessing benefits, information on opting out of Summer EBT benefits, and how to file an appeal. If the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) does not have a current mailing address the notice will state that a valid address is required with instructions on how to report a mailing address. Summer EBT benefits cannot be issued until a valid mailing address is on file.
Summer EBT Screener
Important: Children that are streamlined certified and received SNAP, TANF, Foster Care, or Medicaid (income under 185% FPL) starting July 1, 2024 will appear in the Summer EBT Screener starting Friday, April 11, 2025.
Children that are streamlined certified and attended a school that participated in the NSLP during the 2024-2025 school year and was deemed income-eligible to receive a free or reduced-price lunch through direct certification or an application at the school will appear in the Summer EBT Screener starting Monday, April 14, 2025.
The IDHS eligibility system will continue to run a daily report through the summer period that will identify newly eligible streamlined children.
The Summer EBT Screener can be used to check whether your child/children will receive benefits automatically or if an application is needed, click on Check if I Should Apply for Summer EBT at abe.illinois.gov which will take you to the Summer EBT Screener.
If you have questions or problems using the Summer EBT Screener, you can contact us at 1-833-621-0737.
Report an Address Change
If you used the Summer EBT Screener and need to report an address change, you can do so by:
- Using the Summer EBT Portal; or
- Calling the Summer EBT Hotline at 1-833-621-0737; or
- Using the Summer EBT General Inquiry Request.
Summer EBT Applications
Households can apply through the Summer EBT Portal at abe.illinois.gov and by clicking on Check if I Should Apply for Summer EBT.
Most children are eligible without a Summer EBT application. Households that have a child(ren) that is not automatically eligible for Summer EBT can apply if the child(ren) attended an Illinois school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2024-2025 school year. For a list of NSLP schools visit www.isbe.net/sebt.
Applications for Summer EBT can also be mailed to the IDHS Central Scan Unit (CSU), P.O. Box 19138, Springfield, IL 62794 or submitted in person, mail, or fax to the local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Links to the application in English and Spanish can be found below.
Application for Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
Solicitud De Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios de Verano (EBT de Verano)
Summer EBT applications will be processed by IDHS. In order to be eligible for Summer EBT, households must have a total gross income of at or below 185% of the FPL. Households may be asked to verify their gross income. Once the Summer EBT application has been processed a Notice of Summer EBT Application Notice of Eligibility will be sent that will include the child(ren) that are eligible, the child(ren) that are ineligible, the reason for the eligibility decision, information on accessing benefits, and information on filing an appeal.
Households that would like their child(ren) to receive Summer EBT benefits can also apply for Food, Cash, and/or Medical Assistance prior to the end of the summer operational period of 08/13/2025 and they will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT for Summer 2025 if the child(ren) has a date of birth within the range listed above and determined eligible.
Illinois Link Card
For households who received food and/or cash benefits from IDHS during the 2024-2025 school year, Summer EBT benefits will be directly loaded onto the food portion of their existing Illinois Link card account. If the Illinois Link card is no longer active or the household did not receive food or cash benefits during the 2024-2025 school year, a new card will be mailed.
To access your Illinois Summer EBT Link account, visit the Illinois Link Card Website or call 1-800-678-Link. To login, use your personalized log in instructions found on your Summer EBT eligibility letter.
If you do not have access to your personalized Summer EBT eligibility letter, you may log in with:
- the Head of Household's Social Security Number and the Head of Household's date of birth; or
- your child's Social Security Number and your child's date of birth.
If you are still having trouble, please call the Summer EBT hotline at 1-833-621-0737.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
