SUMMER EBT PROGRAM 

Illinois families in need will have access to a federally funded initiative called Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or SUN Bucks, which provides a one-time grocery-buying benefit of $120 per eligible student to low-income families with school-aged children during the months that schools are closed.

Summer EBT/SUN Bucks Fact Sheet (English)

Summer EBT/SUN Bucks Fact Sheet (Spanish)

Who is eligible for S-EBT benefits? 

IF YOUR STUDENT IS ALREADY ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS WITH CUSD200, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING!

Students within the compulsory school age (age 6 on or before September 1st through age 17) who are income-eligible, able to be directly certified, or categorically eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the preceding school year (beginning July 1 preceding the school year through the end of the school year) are eligible for Summer EBT.   If your student is NOT already eligible for free or reduced-price meals with CUSD 200, you can apply based on income (must be less than 185% of the Federal level https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-02-09/pdf/2023-02739.pdf). You can apply for S-EBT eligibility by completing an application before the last day of the 2023-2024 school year to receive 2024 S-EBT benefits based on income.  Please inquire at your child's school for information on the application.

How and when will eligible students receive their S-EBT benefits?

Beginning late summer 2024, S-EBT benefits will either be applied to existing EBT cards OR mailed to the student’s address on file with CUSD 200.  Thus, it is very important you ensure your address on file is correct. 

How can I get assistance with S-EBT questions?

Please contact IDHS at 800.843.6154 or at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/

ISBE again will administer the Summer Food Service Program, which annually provides more than 3 million meals to children via participating school districts, community organizations, churches, camps, park districts, and other sponsors. Families in need of meals can call 800-359-2163, text “FOOD" (or “COMIDA") to 304-304, or view the USDA online map to find nearby meal sites not located at their school that are open to all children and youth ages 18 and younger.  

If your student is currently eligible for free or reduced-price meals:

You do not need to do anything to receive your S-EBT benefits.

If you receive more than $120 per eligible child in your household, do not use the benefits, and contact IDHS at 800.843.6154 or at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/ as soon as possible to confirm or correct the error.

If your student is currently NOT approved for free or reduced-price meals and you feel you may qualify based on income:

Receiving S-EBT will not affect children or families’ immigration status. 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.