What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT 2024 (aka SUN Bucks) is a new benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Most families will receive benefits automatically, but some parents will 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, 2005, and August 31, 2018, AND they received Food, Cash, or Medical (income under 185% FPL) any time between July 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024; or
- The child attended a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), during the 2023-2024 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, an application can be submitted for Summer EBT, if they are attending a NSLP school during the 2023-2024 school year, and believe they meet the income threshold.
Note: The Summer EBT application will be processed through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and is available at ABE.illinois.gov by clicking on the Summer EBT option.
How can I apply for Summer EBT benefits?
For households with children that do not meet automatic eligibility for Summer EBT, a Summer EBT application is required and will be handled through ISBE. The Summer EBT application can by found at ABE.illinois.gov by clicking on the Summer EBT option. Households will be required to verify income and meet income guidelines.
Households that contain children that would qualify for Summer EBT as described under "Who is Eligible" above, may chose to apply for Food, Cash, and/or Medicaid prior to the end of the summer operation period (through 08/31/2024) and, if found eligible, would be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT for 2024 without completing 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%.
NOTE: 2024 Family Health Plans Monthly Income Standards 185% is represented by the last column in the table.
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 Benefits?
Households will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child.
When will the Summer EBT benefits be issued?
The availability dates for customers that already have an active SNAP/Cash case.
| Date Available |
Last Name Starting With |
| 08/15/2024 |
A, B,C,D |
| 08/16/2024 |
E,F,G,H |
| 08/18/2024 |
I,J,K,L |
| 08/19/2024 |
M,N,O,P |
| 08/21/2024 |
Q,R,S,T |
| 08/22/2024 |
U, V, W, X, Y, Z |
For Summer EBT families that do not have a currently Active SNAP/Cash case, the availability date is 8/23/24.
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 is mailed to families when benefits are issued with these details.
How will I receive Summer EBT benefits?
For households who received Food and/or Cash benefits from IDHS during the 2023-2024 school year, Summer EBT benefits will be directly loaded onto the food portion of their existing Link account. If the families' 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.
How can I confirm my child(ren)'s eligibility?
Beginning June 26, 2024, www.abe.illinois.gov will feature a Summer EBT Screener which can be used to check whether IDHS has all the information needed for a child(ren) to process Summer EBT without an additional application, and to review the street address on file.
When benefits are issued, a Notice of Summer EBT Eligibility will be mailed to households that will include the eligible children, benefit amount(s), and availability of the issuances.
Note: All families expecting Summer EBT benefits should be encouraged to verify all information using the Summer EBT Screener at www.abe.illinois.gov beginning June 26, 2024.
How do I Use Summer EBT Benefits?
Summer EBT benefits are used like SNAP or Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) Benefits. Customers can use their EBT 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:
Where will Summer EBT Cards be Mailed?
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 on or after June 26, 2024 to verify the address on file.
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.
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 by calling the Summer EBT hotline 1-833-621-0737 or us the Summer EBT General Inquiry Request.
If my child(ren) 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 this summer.
Illinois will continue to offer summer food programs throughout the state. Please see Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) press release for more information on summer food programs for children.
During the summer months, families in need of meals should contact their school if they have questions about available meal services. Families 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 families 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.
