OTDA Home Programs & Services Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
Overview
Attention: The last day Summer EBT 2024 will operate is April 15, 2025. No additional 2024 benefits will be issued after that date.
OTDA will begin issuing 2025 Summer EBT benefits in June 2025.
Summer EBT is a food benefit program that helps low-income families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals.
Most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT food benefits, however, some families may need to apply.
The Summer EBT benefit will only be issued once, in the full amount of $120 for each eligible child. Benefits are loaded onto an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card and can be used anywhere SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted.
Eligibility
Automatically Enrolled
To receive Summer EBT food benefits automatically for Summer 2025:
- 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, 2024 - September 4, 2025), 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).
View the Summer EBT Eligibility Flowchart
| Household Size | Gross Annual Income | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 | $2,322 |
| 2 | $37,814 | $3,152 |
| 3 | $47,767 | $3,981 |
| 4 | $57,720 | $4,810 |
| 5 | $67,673 | $5,640 |
| 6 | $77,626 | $6,469 |
| 7 | $87,579 | $7,299 |
| 8 | $97,532 | $8,128 |
| Each additional person | +$9,953 | +$830 |
*Summer EBT Gross Income Eligibility Guidelines July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025
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.
View Summer EBT paper applications in multiple languages.
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.
Verification
You may be asked to verify your household income if your application for Summer EBT benefits has been approved. For more information, visit Summer EBT Income Verification.
Benefits
The Summer EBT benefit is a one-time benefit issued for each eligible child. In 2025, the benefit amount is $120.
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.
A letter will be mailed to all children who are automatically enrolled, letting them know that they will receive benefits for this summer. Households may also receive text messages and emails from OTDA with important Summer EBT updates.
Summer EBT food benefits are available on your Summer EBT food benefits card for 122 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.
Benefit Expiration Information — Learn when the Summer EBT Benefits expire and are removed from the EBT card.
Summer EBT Food Benefits Cards
- Each enrolled child should have their own EBT card to access their Summer EBT benefits.
- If a household used any of their 2024 Summer EBT benefit, their 2025 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 2024 Summer EBT, their 2025 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 2024 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 2025.
The card that is used to access Summer EBT food benefits will become your child's permanent Summer EBT card for each year that your child is eligible to receive benefits. Please keep it in a safe place.
If you no longer have your prior year's Summer EBT card and received a letter notifying you that your benefit will be issued to an existing card, please click the following link for instructions on ordering a replacement card.
When you receive a new Summer EBT card in the mail, you can click the following link for instructions on how to activate your card and set up your PIN.
Summer EBT food benefits are available on your Summer EBT food benefits card for 122 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.
Summer EBT cardholders can use ebtEDGE to:
- Check Summer EBT deposits
- Card balance
- Freeze the card in between purchases
- Freezing the card after each use protects the card from fraud/skimming.
- And more, without having to contact the Summer EBT Helpline
Have the Summer EBT card information ready when creating an ebtEDGE account.
- Visit www.ebtEDGE.com and follow the link to “Cardholder Portal” to get started.
- You can also download the ebtEDGE mobile app (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
Summer EBT benefits cannot be replaced if stolen. Protect your benefits from theft by following these important tips.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Non-Discrimination Statement.
Contact
Summer EBT Customer Service Helpline:
1-833-452-0096
Automated information is available 24/7
Agent support available:
Monday through Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Answer general questions
- Child-specific eligibility questions
- Update address
- Card activation troubleshooting
- Interpreters for any language available
EBT Customer Service (ebtEDGE):
1-888-328-6399
Automated information is available 24/7
- Activate EBT cards
- Order replacement cards to the same address on file
- Change PIN
Non-Discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027). This form can also be found at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
New York State law additionally prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence.