Beginning in Summer 2024, New York State 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 the family 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. The new program is in addition to free meals that children ages 18 and younger can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
To be automatically eligible for Summer EBT food benefits:
• A child must receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Temporary Assistance (cash) benefits, or be directly certified for free meals through Medicaid, OR
• A child must be determined eligible for free/reduced-price school meals by their school.
Information on Summer EBT can be found at OTDA.NY.gov/SummerEBT. The Summer EBT Customer Service Helpline is 1-833-452-0096. Families should seek answers to specific questions using the website before calling the helpline. The helpline will be able to answer questions about a specific child’s eligibility beginning July 1, 2024. Information is also available at hungersolutionsny.org/federal-nutrition-programs/summer-ebt/
The school district or the cafeteria program does not issue P-EBT Benefits. They are issued by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) of NY. Your school district and Food Service department cannot provide any support, but we hope the attached links can provide the support you need. NYS OTADA may refer you to the district, however we cannot take any action.
The NY Office of Temporary and Disability Benefits may be reached at nyspio@otda.ny.gov.
