Beginning in summer 2024, New York State (NYS) is implementing Summer EBT, a new federal program to help low-income households with children purchase food over the summer when school is out of session and children can no longer rely on access to free/reduced price school meals. The Summer EBT benefit of $120 per eligible child will be issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that families can use just like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase eligible food items at SNAP participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers; these benefits expire 122 days from the date that the benefits are issued. The new program is in addition to free meals that children ages 18 and younger can get at summer meal sites in their communities. Please view this information.
Please note that this is not a DOE program. For questions, direct families to OTDA.NY.gov/SummerEBT and then call the Summer EBT Customer Service Helpline (1-833-452-0096) if further assistance is needed. The helpline will be able to answer questions about a specific child’s eligibility beginning July 1.
