Additional Government Benefits for Students that Qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch

Beginning today, Illinois families with school-age children can apply for extra money for food through the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). Families currently receiving SNAP do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits, because these additional P-EBT benefits will be automatically loaded into Illinois LINK EBT accounts. Families who do not currently receive SNAP benefits but have children who receive free or reduced-priced meals will need to apply directly with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

 IDHS created a flyer to help families with the application process.  If you need technical assistance with the application, please email IDHS at [email protected].  The fastest way for families to receive benefits is to complete the application for P-EBT available online. (Click “Apply for Benefits” at the link.) Families can use their mobile devices to scan or photograph their completed applications and email them to [email protected] or send them via regular mail to Central Scan Unit, PO Box 19138, Springfield, IL, 62763.