New York State is offering Summer EBT benefits to help families purchase food while school is out. If your child receives SNAP or Medicaid, you should automatically qualify. If not, you may still be eligible, but an application is required.
Families can apply now through September 4. This program is managed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
To apply or learn more, visit otda.ny.gov or call 1-833-452-0096.
Each eligible child will receive Summer EBT food benefits on their own EBT card. Families can use their Summer EBT benefit to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at authorized grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and anywhere else SNAP is accepted.
Some children will be automatically eligible for Summer EBT and do not need to do anything to enroll. However, some children may need to apply. An online application is available now. Visit SummerEBT.ny.gov. The deadline for Summer 2025 benefits is September 4, 2025.
Automatically Enrolled:
• The child is aged 6-16 and received SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid at any time during the period of eligibility (7/1/2024-9/4/2025) OR
• The child, of any age, has been directly certified by their school during the 2024-2025 school year. This does not include students who have extended benefits or have income forms on file.
Must Apply:
• The child is not automatically enrolled, AND
• The child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program, AND
• The household meets the income requirements for free/reduced-price school meals. (185% of the Federal Poverty Level)
Unused Summer EBT benefits expire and are removed from the EBT card 122 days from the date they were issued. Expired benefits cannot be restored. Families should use their benefits soon after they are received.
To learn more about Summer EBT, including when and how food benefits will be issued and how to use them, visit otda.ny.gov/SummerEBT. Or contact the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance helpline 1-833-452-0096.