6/24/20 - A Message to Providers from Secretary Hou: Extended! Food Benefits for School Aged Children

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Dear Partners,

Earlier this year, IDHS sought and received federal approval to administer the Pandemic Emergency Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, which provides funds to help Illinois families buy food for school-aged children and young adults who would receive National School Lunch Program free or reduced-priced meals when schools are in session.

Although school has ended for the year, families can still apply for P-EBT until July 15th.

To help spread the word to those who can still access this benefit, IDHS designed a P-EBT Digital Toolkit for anyone to use on social media. Please feel free to customize and share this information broadly, as we want all qualifying families to know that this support is available.

As you'll read, the posts include a link with guidance on how non-SNAP households can apply for P-EBT and other important information about the program. It also emphasizes that households currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits who have eligible children have already been automatically enrolled for P-EBT benefits and do not need to apply.

Thank you for your help in our efforts to bring as many Illinois families more support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Grace B. Hou

Secretary, IDHS