Pandemic EBT ( P-EBT ) Benefits

Learn how Pandemic-EBT benefits provided families with extra food benefits.

Pandemic EBT Has Ended, But Summer EBT Can Help You Buy Food for Your Kids This Summer

Your family can receive a debit card to purchase groceries for your children during the summer when school is out. Summer EBT provides eligible families with a monthly grocery benefit to feed their children during summer months when kids are not receiving free or reduced-price meals at school.

Learn if your child is eligible

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) provided extra food benefits for families during COVID-19.

P-EBT Increased Family’s Food Budgets

P-EBT was a benefit that helped families buy food for school-age children between the ages of 3-17 and youth aged 18-22 (in high school). P-EBT was available for children and youth who received free and reduced-price meals and lacked access to an in-school lunch during the pandemic.

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Who was Eligible for P-EBT Benefits and Other FAQs

Get answers to your questions about P-EBT food benefits for Illinois residents below.

Pandemic EBT was a food benefit program that gave food benefits to eligible children enrolled in school.

The Pandemic EBT program has ended. The last round of P-EBT benefits for the 2022-2023 school year were issued in September 2023. Learn more from the Illinois Department of Human Services about the last round of Pandemic EBT.

To check your P-EBT balance, report a lost or stolen card, or request a replacement card, visit Manage My Illinois Link Card or call 1-800-678-LINK (5465).

If you did not use the benefits, they were removed from the card after one year of inactivity.

A new program called Summer EBT helps families buy food for their kids while school is out during the summer. Eligible families receive a debit card to purchase groceries to help feed their children during summer months when kids are not receiving free or reduced-price meals at school. Find out if your child is eligible for Summer EBT.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) created FAQs to help answer questions about P-EBT.

A local food pantry or program can help provide groceries and other supportive services for you and your family. Find a food pantry near you.

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