2025 Summer EBT screener is now available for families, with benefits issued starting in May
Chicago – The Greater Chicago Food Depository encourages families to check the new Summer EBT screener to see if their children already qualify and are enrolled in Summer EBT, a federal nutrition program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to purchase groceries when school is closed.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has begun accepting applications for this year’s Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, for those who aren’t automatically enrolled. Benefits will be issued starting in May.
Most eligible households will receive benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. This program helps thousands of students in Illinois who rely on free or reduced-price meals offered during the school year but lose access to this important source of nutrition in the summer. Last year, Summer EBT provided benefits to more than 1.2 million children in Illinois for the first time, including five children in the Vergara family.
Martha Vergara, 40, said it’s difficult to provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for her five school-age children during the summer. “Any break from school and they’re hungry more, snacking more. They’ll go play then come in hungry. Summer EBT made a big difference,” Vergara said, adding that the benefit ensured extra food costs didn’t infringe on other household expenses. “It meant I wasn’t short on the lights or gas bill. Summer EBT was a blessing.”
As co-chair of the Illinois Commission to End Hunger, the Food Depository is leading a statewide awareness campaign to make sure eligible families register for benefits. With elevated food prices and the lingering effects of inflation, many families are struggling to keep food on the table.
“One in four families with children in the Chicago Metro area is experiencing food insecurity. Many children in these families endure a summer nutrition deficit, which can have a devastating impact on young, growing bodies,” said Kate Maehr, Executive Director and CEO of the Food Depository. “We are grateful to have reached so many families last year and to help get children connected to Summer EBT. We look forward to building on that success this summer, ensuring that children across Chicago and Cook County have access to the food they need to thrive.”
“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.”
Many students who don’t get enough food in the summer experience a “summer slide” in their educational level, often returning to school up to two months behind in reading. Summer EBT helps ensure children remain nourished and active during the summer, ready to resume learning when classes begin in the fall. Summer EBT also benefits the local economy as funds are spent at neighborhood grocery and retail stores.
Important Steps for Families:
Most eligible households will receive benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply.
- Complete the screener to see if the child or children who live with you already qualify at 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.
- If the child or children do not automatically qualify, review the eligibility requirements, and submit an application online at illinois.gov/sebtPortal.
- Applications are due by August 13, 2025.
Summer EBT began last summer as a complementary benefit to the existing federal Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) that provides free meals to children during the summer. The Food Depository helps administer SFSP at more than 150 schools, libraries, churches and community centers across Cook County. All children should explore their SFSP options, regardless of whether they receive Summer EBT benefits.
Learn more about Summer EBT benefits and additional summer food programs available at wegotyouillinois.org. Find the Summer EBT screener at abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal.
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