Eligible families across New York are beginning to receive Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) benefits to help cover the cost of groceries while school is out.
The federally funded program, now in its third year, provides a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child. State officials estimate the program will deliver approximately $240 million in grocery assistance to about 2 million children across New York this year.
Summer EBT benefits began rolling out on June 16 and will continue to be issued through the end of 2026.
The program is intended to help families offset the loss of free or reduced-price school meals during the summer months, a time when many households face increased food costs.
Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, said the assistance is especially important as many families continue to struggle with rising grocery prices.
“With food costs continuing to strain household budgets, summer can be one of the hardest times of year for families facing hunger,” Sabella said. “Programs like Summer EBT help families put healthy food on the table when they need it most.”
Children ages 6 through 16 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance, are directly certified through Medicaid, or qualify for free or reduced-price school meals may automatically receive the benefit.
Families whose children attend schools participating in the National School Lunch Program but do not automatically qualify may still be eligible. Applications must be submitted online by September 8.
Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after they are issued, and any unused funds will be removed from the card. Benefits that are lost or stolen cannot be replaced, so recipients are encouraged to protect their cards by changing their PINs and freezing the card when it is not in use.
Additional information, including eligibility requirements and application details, is available through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
