What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT (aka SUN Bucks) is a benefit program that provides households $120 for each eligible school-aged child. The Summer EBT benefits are households to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. Most households will receive benefits automatically but some may need to apply.
Who is eligible for Summer EBT?
A child is eligible for Summer EBT without an application if they meet one of the following requirements:
- The child's date of birth is between July 2, 2006 and August 13, 2019, and they receive Food, Cash, or federally funded Medicaid (income under 185% FPL) any time between July 1, 2024 and August 13, 2025; or
- The child attended a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), during the 2024-2025 school year and was deemed income-eligible to receive a free or reduced-price lunch through streamlined certification or an application at the school.
For any child who does not meet one of the requirements above but attended a NSLP school during the 2024-2025 school year, an application can be submitted for Summer EBT.
Note: The Summer EBT application will be processed through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and is available at www.abe.illinois.gov by clicking on the Summer EBT option.
How can I confirm my child's eligibility?
Households should use the Summer EBT Screener to:
- Check Summer EBT eligibility; and
- Check if a Summer EBT application is needed; and
- Check their mailing address on file.
An Initial Notice of Eligibility for Summer EBT Benefits will be mailed to households, these notices will include the eligible child(ren), benefit amount(s), and availability of dates of the issuances. For households that must submit a Summer EBT application a Summer EBT Application Notice of Eligibility will be sent which will include eligibility information.
Note: Households expecting Summer EBT benefits should verify all information using the Summer EBT Screener at www.abe.illinois.gov.
How can I apply for Summer EBT?
For households with children that do not meet automatic eligibility for benefits, a Summer EBT application is required and will be processed by IDHS. The Summer EBT application can be found at www.abe.illinois.gov by clicking on the Summer EBT option. Households may be required to verify income and must meet income guidelines in order to be eligible.
Households that contain children that would qualify for Summer EBT as described under "Who is eligible for Summer EBT?" above, may choose to apply for Food, Cash, and/or federally funded Medicaid prior to the end of the summer operation period (through 08/13/2025) and, if found eligible, would be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT for 2025 without having to complete a Summer EBT application.
What are the income requirements?
To be eligible for Summer EBT, total household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households submitting Summer EBT applications will be required to verify that total monthly income does not exceed 185%.
What are the citizenship requirements?
There are no citizenship requirements. Summer EBT will not be considered under the public charge rule.
How much will I receive in Summer EBT?
Households will receive a one-time benefit of $120 per summer for each eligible child.
When will the Summer EBT benefits be issued?
Summer EBT issuances are planned to begin May 19-26, 2025 for children that are automatically enrolled. To find out if your child is automatically enrolled, visit the Summer EBT Screener on www.abe.illinois.gov.
Note: These availability dates are for the majority of children found eligible for Summer EBT. Every week, IDHS will continue to identify eligible children and will issue Summer EBT benefits to these children as identified. A notice of eligibility and issuance will be mailed to households.
How will I receive Summer EBT benefits?
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 account. If the Illinois Link card is no longer active or the family has never received Food or Cash benefits, a new card will be mailed to the current address on file with IDHS.
Visit the Summer EBT Screener to verify the current address that IDHS as on file.
Where will my Illinois Link card be mailed?
Illinois Link cards will be mailed to the address on file. The address on file will be the address associated with the program that was used to determine the child's eligibility for Summer EBT (address on file with the school or the IDHS case).
Note: Customers should be directed to check the Summer EBT Screener to verify the address on file.
Children that are determined eligible through their school but are missing a current address at the time Summer EBT benefits are scheduled to be issued, will not receive an Illinois Link card until a new address is received for the household. The Initial Notice of Eligibility for Summer EBT Benefits will be mailed to the school that the child(ren) attended at the end of the 2024-2025 school year and will instruct the household to provide an updated address.
What should I do if my address has changed?
You can visit www.abe.illinois.gov and click on the Summer EBT Screener to review the street address on file. If you are not living at the address, you will be prompted to update the address.
How do I use Summer EBT Benefits?
Summer EBT benefits are used like SNAP benefits. Customers can use their Illinois Link card at a SNAP authorized retailer to purchase SNAP authorized items. Once they swipe or enter their card number, they should select EBT as the form of payment, and the Food/SNAP portion of the account. Additional information below:
What if I chose not to participate in Summer EBT program?
Customers have the opportunity to opt out of the program by using the Summer EBT General Inquiry Request.
If my child is enrolled in Summer EBT, can they still participate in Free Summer Meals Programs?
Yes, children can get Summer EBT even if child is getting free meals at school, camp, or other places during the summer.
Illinois will continue to offer summer food programs throughout the state.
During the summer months, households in need of meals should contact their school if they have questions about available meal services. Households can also call 1-800-359-2163, text "FOOD" (or "COMIDA") to 304-304, 04 view the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder to find nearby meal sites not located at their school that are open to all children and youth ages 18 and younger. ISBE partners with the Illinois Hunger Coalition and No Kid Hungry to operate the hotline and text service.
The State is utilizing and will continue to utilize its various partners across agencies and outside entities, such as food banks, to connect eligible households with these benefits. One example is through informational sharing with school districts, including webinars.
Will Summer EBT benefits expire?
Yes, Summer EBT benefits do expire and must be used within 122 days from the availability date. Any remaining balances will not be available after 122 days.
