Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) SNAP Benefits

What is Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Benefits (P-EBT)?

  • P-EBT is a temporary food benefit program operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • P-EBT provides benefits to all eligible children without needing to apply. 

Who is eligible for P-EBT benefits?

  • Your Child:
    • Must be enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals at a school operating the National School Lunch Program; OR,
    • Must be enrolled in a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which offers breakfast and lunch free to all students; AND,
    • Must be without access to an in-school provided meal.
  • Your School:
    • Must operate the National School Lunch Program; AND,
    • Must have been closed or operating remote learning for at least 5 consecutive days at some point during the 2020-2021 School Year.

When will P-EBT benefits start?

  • Beginning in March 2021, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will issue P-EBT benefits to families with eligible children for the 2020-2021 school year. Families receiving regular SNAP and non-SNAP households can qualify for P-EBT benefits.

More Information on P-EBT

See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on P-EBT for more information.