WHAT IS SUMMER EBT?

Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a new permanent nutrition program authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. SUN Bucks 2024 will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) later this summer. More basic information on the new federal program is available on the USDA website at www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/household. 

IS MY CHILD ELIGIBLE?

Your child is eligible for SUN Bucks if:

• Your child is identified as direct certified due to participation in SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid (185% of the federal poverty guideline), or is identified as foster, homeless, or migrant.

• Your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. (A household can complete a Household Eligibility Application (HEA) at schools participating in NSLP/SBP at any point during the school year. 

HOW DO I ENROLL MY CHILD IN SUN BUCKS?

If your household has already been notified of eligibility for Free/Reduced lunch, your child will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. You do not need to fill out an application. You will get a card in the mail sent to the address your child’s school has on file. (Households are encouraged to ensure that the enrolling school has your current mailing address.) If you are not automatically enrolled and believe your children are eligible, you can apply to receive SUN Bucks by filling out a simple application. A statewide Summer EBT application will be made available after the school year has ended. More details will be shared once they are available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

Use the website findhelp.org to search for resources in our community! They have information on childcare, food pantries, transit, jobs, legal resources and more.

Click below for a visual guide on how to apply for a Short Term Paraprofessional Approval from the Illinois State Board of Education! 

Application Guide

The Niles Township Government and Skokie School District 68 formed a pact for funding to go to families facing housing security challenges (including utilities), and a portion will be used to address family child care needs as well! Check out the Township's website for more information on their services.

nilestownshipgov.com