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).
COVID-19 has turned many families’ lives upside down, and we want to spread the message far and wide that the application for this extra money is now available! If you need technical assistance with the application, please send an email to IDHS at DHS.FCS.PEBT@illinois.gov.
IDHS has made the application available in both English and Spanish at https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access. 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.) A PDF of the application can be printed out in both English and Spanish. Families can use their mobile devices to scan or photograph their completed applications and email them to DHS.FCS.PEBT@illinois.gov or send them via regular mail to Central Scan Unit, PO Box 19138, Springfield, IL, 62763.