Summer EBT
How Students Qualify for Summer EBT
Automatically Enrolled
To receive Summer EBT food benefits automatically for Summer 2026:
- A child must be age 6-16 and receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (cash) benefits, or Medicaid during the period of eligibility (July 1, 2025 - September 8, 2026), OR
- A child of any age must be directly certified for free/reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program by their school.*
These children will receive benefits automatically and DO NOT need to apply. Most eligible children will receive their benefits this way.
*Attending a school that offers free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is not enough to qualify your child for Summer EBT. Only children who are automatically eligible or eligible through an application can receive Summer EBT food benefits.
Must Apply
Students who are not automatically enrolled may complete an application.
To be eligible through an application:
- A student must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (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).
Income Guidelines for Summer EBT Applications*
| Household Size | Gross Annual Income | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6.653 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 |
| Each additional person | +$10,175 | +$848 |
*Summer EBT Gross Income Eligibility Guidelines July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026
Questions?
If you have questions regarding Summer EBT, please visit OTDA.ny.gov/SummerEBT for updated program information. General questions about child nutrition programs and policy may be directed to the Child Nutrition office at (518) 473-8781, or cn@nysed.gov.
How to Apply
Most households do not need to apply for Summer EBT food benefits because the child is already enrolled and will receive benefits automatically.
Students who are not automatically enrolled may be able to receive Summer EBT food benefits by completing an application. The deadline to apply for 2026 Summer EBT benefits is September 8, 2026. Any application submitted after this date will be reviewed for the 2027 Summer EBT program year.
Families will only need to complete one application for all students in the household. This application should be completed by a parent/guardian for the students.
How families will be notified about their Summer EBT benefits
OTDA will send a personalized communication to parents/guardians of each child who is automatically enrolled. This communication will be mailed to the current address on file and will be reinforced with an email or text message, depending on what contact information is on file at the time.
This communication will inform families about Summer EBT and the specific payment method for their child’s Summer EBT benefit. If a child’s benefit is scheduled to be issued to an existing EBT card and a replacement benefit card is needed, the letter will include specific instructions in how to request a replacement card.
For children who completed an application on or after July 1, a letter will be emailed or mailed to inform the parent/guardian of the eligibility determination, timing, and payment method for the benefit (existing EBT card or new EBT card).
Benefits/Payment method
The Summer EBT benefit is a one-time benefit issued for each eligible child. In 2026, the benefit amount is $120.
Families will receive benefits in one of the following ways:
- If a household used any of their 2025 Summer EBT benefit, their 2026 benefit will be loaded onto their existing card, and they will NOT be mailed a new card.
- If a household requested a replacement card for 2025 Summer EBT, their 2026 benefit will be loaded onto their existing card, and they will NOT be mailed a new card.
- Children who were eligible for Summer EBT benefits in 2025 but did not use their benefit and children who are new to the program will receive a new Summer EBT benefit card in the mail for 2026.
Summer EBT benefits can be used like SNAP benefits to buy food at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers. Many participating stores even offer online shopping for pickup or delivery.
Summer EBT food benefits will be issued each summer. Eligible children may receive benefits at different times, depending on whether they are automatically enrolled or eligible through a Summer EBT application.
Summer EBT food benefits are available on your Summer EBT food benefits card for 122 calendar days after the date they were issued. All unused benefits are removed from the card after this time. Be sure to use your benefits soon after you receive them.