CHICAGO, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced Summer EBT benefits for the 2024 to 2025 school year.

The benefits will be issued to families starting in May and each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120. The Summer program aims to provide essential support to economically disadvantaged children during the summer, making sure they have nutritious meals.

“No child should ever have to wonder where their next meal will come from — not during the school year and not during the summer. With the Summer EBT program, Illinois is ensuring our most vulnerable children have access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “After becoming one of the first states to successfully launch this assistance program last summer, we’re proud to continue investing in the well-being of our children and families.”

Most eligible households will receive benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply.

Here are some important steps for families:

1. Complete the screener to see if the child or children who live with you already qualify at abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal.

  • Summer EBT issuances are planned for May 19-26, 2025, for children who are automatically enrolled.
  • Families will receive Summer EBT benefits on existing LINK cards if they already receive electronic benefits. Families without existing cards will be sent one in the mail.

2. If the child or children do not automatically qualify, review the eligibility requirements, and submit an application, online, at abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal.

  • Applications are due by August 13, 2025.

“For children who rely on school for regular meals, summer can be a time of food insecurity, causing increased hunger and anxiety,” said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary. “Summer meal programs are a lifeline for families in need and it’s extremely important that we help households put nutritious meals on the table for their children.”

Summer EBT benefits are intended for the household to buy groceries when school is not in session. Summer EBT is available in addition to free meals that children of all ages get at summer meal sites in their communities. To learn more about the additional summer food programs available, visit: wegotyouillinois.org

“Hunger doesn’t take a summer break — and neither should access to nutritious meals,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “The Summer EBT program helps ensure that students don’t lose access to the healthy meals they rely on during the school year just because school is not in session. We are proud to partner with the Illinois Department of Human Services to connect families with the resources they need to support their children’s health and academic success year-round.”

For more information about Summer EBT benefits, visit: abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal