Summer EBT

Summer EBT is a food benefit program that helps low-income families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers. These benefits, combined with other federal nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and summer meal sites, help children get nutritious food while school is out.

Many children are automatically eligible for Summer EBT benefits and do not need to submit an application. This includes school-age children who:

• Receive SNAP or Temporary Assistance, or are directly certified for free school meals through Medicaid, OR
• Have been determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program by their school.

Some children who are not automatically eligible may be able to receive Summer EBT food benefits by completing an application. To be eligible through an application:

• A student must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program, AND
• The household’s income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

Immigration status does not affect eligibility.

Most eligible children will receive Summer EBT benefits automatically and do not need to apply (see above). For those who do need to apply, the Summer EBT application is available on NYSOTDA’s Summer EBT webpage. Families must apply by September 4, 2025 to be considered for 2025 benefits.