Understanding the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program in New York

The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program is a vital initiative designed to support low-income families with school-age children during the summer months. This program ensures that children who rely on school meals during the academic year continue to have access to nutritious food when school is out. In this article, we will explore the key features, eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits of the Summer EBT program in New York.

Overview of the Summer EBT Program

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will begin issuing Summer EBT benefits for 2025 starting in June. Eligibility letters will be mailed to households from June 2, 2025, and benefits will be available from June 18, 2025, continuing throughout the summer. If you do not receive an eligibility letter or your child’s benefits by August 1, 2025, you can contact the Summer EBT Helpline at 1-833-452-0096.

The Summer EBT program provides a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child, loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at any SNAP-authorized retailer. This initiative is crucial for families who may struggle to provide adequate nutrition during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.

Eligibility Criteria

Automatically Enrolled

Most children will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program if they meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement: The child must be between 6 and 16 years old.
Current Benefits: The child must be receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (cash benefits), or Medicaid during the eligibility period (July 1, 2024 – September 4, 2025).
Direct Certification: Children of any age who are directly certified for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) will also qualify.

It’s important to note that simply attending a school that offers free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) does not automatically qualify a child for Summer EBT benefits.

Application Required

For families whose children are not automatically enrolled, an application must be completed. To qualify through an application, the following criteria must be met:

The student must attend a school that participates in the NSLP.
The household income must be at or below the limits for eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals (185% of the federal poverty level).

For detailed income guidelines, refer to the Summer EBT Eligibility Flowchart.

How to Apply

Most households will not need to apply for Summer EBT benefits, as children will be automatically enrolled. However, for those who need to apply, the process is straightforward:

Online Application: Families can apply for Summer EBT benefits online until September 4, 2025. Visit Apply for Summer EBT Online to complete the application.
Paper Applications: Paper applications are available in multiple languages and can be accessed here.

Families only need to submit one application for all eligible children in the household. If approved, you may be required to verify your household income.

Benefits of the Summer EBT Program

The Summer EBT program provides a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child. These benefits can be used like SNAP benefits to purchase food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers. Many participating stores also offer online shopping options for convenience.

Important Information about Benefits

Benefit Duration: Summer EBT benefits are available for 122 days after issuance. Unused benefits will be removed from the card after this period, so it’s essential to use them promptly.
Card Management: Each enrolled child should have their own EBT card. If a household used any of their 2024 Summer EBT benefits, the 2025 benefits will be loaded onto the existing card. New participants will receive a new card in the mail.

Protecting Your Benefits

To safeguard against theft, families can utilize the freeze/unfreeze feature on their EBT cards. This allows cardholders to freeze their card temporarily, protecting their benefits from unauthorized access.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding the Summer EBT program, families can reach out to the Summer EBT Customer Service Helpline at 1-833-452-0096. Automated information is available 24/7, and agent support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours beginning June 2, 2025.

Additional Resources

EBT Customer Service: For issues related to card activation, replacement, or PIN changes, contact 1-888-328-6399.
Non-Discrimination Statement: The program adheres to federal civil rights laws, ensuring that no individual is discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal.

Conclusion

The Summer EBT program is a crucial resource for families in New York, providing essential food benefits during the summer months when children may otherwise go without. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits, families can ensure they receive the support they need to keep their children nourished and healthy. For more information, visit the OTDA website or contact the Summer EBT Helpline.