SUN BUCKS: Illinois Summer EBT Enrollment Open Now

A NOTE FROM THE DISTRICT:

A student is eligible for Summer EBT 2025 without an application if they meet one of the following criteria:
- The student's birth date is between July 2, 2006 and August 13, 2019 AND they received SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid anytime between July 1, 2024 and August 13, 2025; or
- The student attended Herrin CUSD #4 during the 2024-2025 school year and was deemed income-eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunch through the school.
To verify your student's automatic enrollment, to apply for benefits through The State of Illinois, or to check the status of your application, visit https://abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal/
To apply for free or reduced lunch benefits through Herrin CUSD #4 (automatically enrolling your students in the Summer EBT program - pending approval), please complete the 2024/2025 REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF SCHOOL FEES.
- We ask that this form be turned in to the Herrin CUSD #4 Unit Office no later than 5/19/2025 for processing. Students must be approved for free or reduced lunch through the district no later than 05/26/2025 to qualify for automatic enrollment into the Summer EBT program.
Visit the IDHS FAQs for Summer EBT 2025 webpage for answers to frequently asked questions.
Please email jeannine.coffey@herrinschools.org with questions for Herrin CUSD #4.

What is Summer EBT?

Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a nutrition program authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Summer EBT for 2025 will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Complete Summer EBT information for Illinoisians can be found on the IDHS Summer EBT webpage.

Is my child eligible?

Your 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 received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); foster care; or Medicaid (income under 185% Federal Poverty Level) 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 2024-25 school year and was deemed income-eligible to receive a free or reduced-price lunch through direct certification or a school meals 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 2024-25 school year and believe they meet the income threshold. See below for more information on submitting a Summer EBT Application.

Note: Beginning in Summer 2025, if your child attends a school operating the NSLP under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), alternative applications (such as fee waiver applications) processed at the school cannot be used for Summer EBT issuance. Therefore, all households are encouraged to check the IDHS Summer EBT screener to determine if a Summer EBT application may be needed.

Households should be encouraged to visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage where they can access Summer EBT 2025 program information, as well as the Summer EBT Screener to check eligibility. If not determined automatically eligible and believe that you meet the requirements, complete and submit a Summer EBT application.

How do I enroll my child in Summer EBT?

If you meet the qualifications above, your child will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT. You do not need to fill out a Summer EBT application. Your benefits will be issued on your existing SNAP benefits account, or a separate card will be issued to the address provided by your child’s school. (Households are encouraged to visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage to ensure accurate mailing address.)

If you are not automatically enrolled and believe your children are eligible, you can apply to receive Summer EBT by filling out an application. A Summer EBT application is now available. The Summer EBT 2025 application will be available through 8/13/2025. Households that would like their child/children to receive Summer EBT benefits can also apply for SNAP, TANF, and/or Medicaid prior to the end of the summer operational period 08/13/2025, and they will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT for Summer 2025 if they have a date of birth in the range listed above and are determined eligible.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Households should visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage for up to date Summer EBT information. If you do not find the needed information online, then the Summer EBT team at IDHS is available by calling 833-621- 0737 or complete the Summer EBT General Inquiry Request form.

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:

Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
Fax:
833-256-1665 or 202-690-7422; or
Email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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SUN BUCKS: Illinois Summer EBT Enrollment Open Now

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