What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a new permanent nutrition program authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. SUN Bucks 2024 will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) later this summer. More basic information on the new federal program is available on the USDA Information for Families webpage. Illinois is one of 36 states that have announced their intent to launch Summer EBT in summer 2024.
Is my child eligible?
Your child is eligible for SUN Bucks 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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Victims of Trafficking, Torture or Other Serious Crimes (VTTC); foster care; or Medicaid (income under 185% Federal Poverty Level) 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 2023-24 school year and was deemed income-eligible to receive a free or reduced-price lunch through direct certification or an application at the school.
A child that does not meet one of the requirements above can apply for Summer EBT if they attend an NSLP school during the 2023-24 school year and believe they meet the income threshold.
Note: Families should contact their school while school is in session to find out how to apply if they do not meet one of the requirements above. A Summer EBT application will be available over the summer. Additionally, the agency will have a screener available July 1 for families to check if IDHS has the information needed to process their child's Summer EBT benefit.
How do I enroll my child in SUN Bucks?
If you meet the qualifications above, your child will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. You do not need to fill out an application. You will get a card in the mail sent to the address your child’s school has on file. (Households are encouraged to ensure that the enrolling school has your current mailing address.) If you are not automatically enrolled and believe your children are eligible, you can apply to receive SUN Bucks by filling out a simple application. A statewide Summer EBT application will be made available after the school year has ended. More details will be shared once they are available.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Your school can assist you with basic questions about Summer EBT. However, households should visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage for more information. IDHS will be setting up a customer help line at 833-621-0737 to assist families. The agency will be able to assist with the card distribution timeline, usage, allowable expenses, and lost or misplaced cards.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form. A form also can be obtained from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 Form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax: 833-256-1665 or 202-690-7442; or
3. Email: Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.