How to Apply for Summer Food Benefits for NYC Kids
New York City families: You may be eligible for $120 per child in summer food benefits this year.
The Summer EBT program, which rolled out for the first time last year, is intended to help low-income families cover costs for meals usually provided at school.
Who is eligible for Summer EBT benefits?
Under federal guidelines, a child is only eligible for the program if they attend a school with free lunch and meet household income requirements for free- or reduced-price school meals. (The income requirement varies based on household size, and families can check whether they are eligible here. A family of four, for example, would qualify with an annual income at or below $57,720.)
How can you apply for the benefits?
Most eligible families, including recipients of SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid, will automatically receive the funds. Those who will automatically receive them should be notified via a letter in the summer, according to state officials.
Others will need to apply. Families can access the online application here.
When is the deadline to apply?
Families have until September 3 to apply for this year’s summer food benefits. The benefits will be retroactive for those applying after the summer. All benefits expire 122 days after being issued.
Could Summer EBT be impacted by cuts to federal funding?
As a federal program, some observers wonder whether Summer EBT’s continuity could be at risk as President Donald Trump’s administration dramatically slashes government funding for many agencies and federal programs.
Stefan Lallinger, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, noted Republicans have proposed large, "fairly indiscriminate" cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which operates the Summer EBT program.
"It’s hard to say exactly how those are going to be implemented, but I think the bigger point here is that all of this is causing unnecessary confusion and chaos for low-income families," he said.
Conclusion
Summer EBT benefits are a vital lifeline for low-income families in New York City, and it’s essential to ensure that eligible families receive the support they need. By understanding who is eligible, how to apply, and the deadline for application, families can take advantage of this critical program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I’m eligible for Summer EBT benefits?
- Check your school’s free and reduced-price lunch eligibility and household income to see if you qualify.
- What if I don’t receive a letter informing me of my automatic eligibility?
- You can check the online application here to see if you’re eligible.
- Can I apply after the deadline?
- Yes, but benefits will be retroactive for those applying after the summer, and all benefits expire 122 days after being issued.
- How do I know if Summer EBT benefits will be impacted by cuts to federal funding?
- Keep an eye on federal funding announcements and stay informed about potential changes to the program.
