What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT is a new federal nutrition program that provides grocery benefits during the summer months to families with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. In New York, Summer EBT is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), and will provide $120 per child per summer, provided on a debit-style EBT card that can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and online. Pilots of Summer EBT conducted over several years have shown the program reduced child food insecurity by a third for participating children and increased consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Summer EBT FAQs
Each eligible child will receive $120 in Summer EBT food benefits in 2024. This is a one-time payment for the entire summer.
The program is run by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). County social service agencies cannot troubleshoot challenges.
- Summer EBT will NOT be given to every child in the NYC Public Schools.
- A child who receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Temporary Assistance (cash) benefits, or is directly certified for free meals through Medicaid will automatically receive benefits.
- A child determined eligible for free/reduced price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) by their school will automatically receive benefits.
- A student who attends a school that participates in NSLP AND the household’s income must be at or below the limits for eligibility for free/reduced price school meals (185% federal poverty level). Household income guidelines can be found here – https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/#eligibility.
- Call the EBT customer service call center at 1-888-328-6399 to order a replacement Summer EBT Food Benefit card
- Detailed info: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/card-replacement.asp
- Call the EBT customer service helpline at 1-888-328-6399 to select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) over the phone
- Detailed Information: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/pin-activation.asp
- Most families do NOT need to apply for Summer EBT and will be issued benefits automatically. For those who do need to apply, Summer EBT applications should be submitted using the online application at https://summerebt.ny.gov/en-US/
- Sample application: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5250.pdf
- Application in multiple languages: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/#summer-ebt
- Applications MUST be received by September 3, 2024 to be considered for 2024 Summer EBT Benefits
- NO! Summer EBT is run entirely by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – county agencies will not be able to answer questions.
- Visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/ for questions on WHEN benefits will be issued. OTDA will also text most households when benefits are issued.
Summer EBT benefits ONLY last for 122 days from date of issuance. All unused funds are expired and then removed from the card.
This information is most easily obtained by calling the EBT helpline at 1-888-638-6399. They can also use the ebtEDGE app or use the ebtEDGE online portal to create an account and check benefits.
Summer EBT benefits can be used just like SNAP benefits to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers.
Immigration and citizenship status are NOT a consideration for Summer EBT eligibility. Receiving Summer EBT will not affect a family or child’s immigration status.
Yes. While replacement cards can be issued, benefits next summer will be automatically issued onto your existing card.
Last reviewed: August 15th, 2024