Illinois
Some tribal nations are participating in Summer EBT!
If your child does not attend a school within the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee or Otoe-Missouria Nation reservations, access other summer resources here.
Wish you could receive $120 per child to stretch your grocery budget in the summer? Click here to find and contact your local representatives if you’d like to make your voice heard in support of this program.
is participating in Summer EBT!
Website: Illinois Summer EBT Info
- Click here to see if your child is already enrolled in Summer EBT 2025.
- Click here to check your application status.
How funds will be issued: For households who received Food and/or Cash benefits from IDHS during the 2025-2026 school year, Summer EBT benefits should be directly loaded onto 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 If the Illinois Link card is no longer active or the family has never received Food or Cash benefits, a new card will be mailed to the current address on file with IDHS.
How to replace your Summer EBT card: Update coming soon.
How to check or update your mailing address: Contact your child's school or verify your address here.
Application deadline: Update coming soon.
Date funds will be issued: Update coming soon.
Additional Resource: We Got You Illinois
Support/Questions:
- (833) 621-0737
- (844) 600-7642 - Northern Illinois Food Bank's SNAP Outreach Team
Illinois
is not participating in the Summer EBT / SUN Bucks program
Click here to find your local representatives to inquire about your state's decision not to participate in the program and express your beliefs around access to nutrition benefits.
Below are several additional resources that may be available to you.
Food Resources
- SUN Meals: find free meals for children aged 18 and under at schools, parks, and other locations in your community
- SUN Meals To-Go: if you live in a rural community, check to see if summer meals can be picked up or delivered to your home at no cost
- FoodFinder: locate food pantries in your zip code
- SNAP Benefits: select your state to learn about the SNAP grocery benefit and apply if eligible
- USDA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
- Text your zip code to 1 (800) 548-6479, visit whyhunger.org/findfood, or call 1 (800) 548-6479 to get help in English or Spanish and connect with local food resources
Housing Resources
- HUD’s Resource Locator: locate housing services if you are experiencing homelessness or find affordable housing opportunities for your family
- Affordable Housing: find affordable housing near in you
Other Resources
- FindHelp.org: locate assistance for things like medical expenses, housing, clothing, food or other resources your family needs
- Call 2-1-1: this will connect you with your local United Way who can direct you to additional resources in your community
- USA.GOV: learn about other government benefits programs
Illinois
The 2025 Summer EBT application is not yet open. Sign up below to be notified when Illinois's Summer EBT application is available.
If your household has received SNAP benefits between July 1, 2024 and today, your child should automatically be enrolled in the 2025 Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program. You likely will not need to submit a 2025 Summer EBT application.
If your household is not currently enrolled in SNAP benefits and you believe you are eligible, we encourage you to apply here. Households enrolled in SNAP benefits should automatically receive Summer EBT for their school aged children in summer 2025.
If your household is not eligible for SNAP benefits and your child attends a school where all children automatically receive free and reduced price meals (breakfast or lunch), ask your child's school for a meal program application. If your child is eligible for free or reduced price school meals, completing this form should help your child to be automatically enrolled in the 2025 Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program.
