What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, is a federal nutrition assistance program administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). It provides a one-time payment of $120 per eligible school-aged child to help families buy groceries during the summer months when school meals are not available. The benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers that accept SNAP.
The program was first launched in New York City in 2024 and continued into 2025, with benefit distribution starting on June 18, 2025. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2025 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program in New York City.
Who is eligible?
There are two main ways children can qualify:
- Automatic eligibility for benefits: Some children will be automatically eligible for this program. This includes kids ages 6–16 who are receiving SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid at any point between July 1, 2024, and September 4, 2025. It also covers children whose schools directly certified them for free or reduced-price lunch during the 2024–2025 school year. Important: Simply attending a school where all students receive free meals under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) does not automatically qualify a child for Summer EBT. The child must meet one of the specific eligibility criteria mentioned above
- Apply for benefits: Families whose children aren’t automatically eligible for Summer EBT may still apply to receive benefits. In order to apply, families must (1) have children attending a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) but who weren’t already certified for free or reduced-price meals, and (2) have a household income below 185% of the federal poverty level. Income guidelines are the same as those used to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals under the NSLP. You can find the income guidelines for Summer EBT applications below:
If you’re unsure whether you can or should apply, you can use the Summer EBT Eligibility Flow Chart to help determine if your child is eligible. You can also use this online tool to determine your child’s eligibility.
How do I apply for Summer EBT?
Children who are not automatically enrolled in Summer EBT may still be eligible by submitting an application. The application window for Summer EBT is open from June 18, 2025, through September 4, 2025.
Families can apply online by visiting https://summerebt.ny.gov. For those who prefer a paper application, printable forms in different languages are available at: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/#summer-ebt.
Only one application is required per household, covering all eligible children in the family.
What are the Summer EBT benefit details?
Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 to help cover grocery costs during the summer months. Summer EBT benefits are not added to your family’s regular SNAP EBT card. Instead, each eligible child receives a separate Summer EBT card in their own name, even if your household already receives SNAP. These cards are used only for Summer EBT benefits and are not linked to your household’s SNAP account. If your child used a Summer EBT card in Summer 2024, that same card will be reloaded for Summer 2025, and no new card will be mailed.
If you no longer have your Summer EBT card from a previous year and received a letter stating that your benefits will be loaded onto that card, check the instructions on how to order a replacement. If your child is new to the program, a new Summer EBT card will be mailed directly to your home.
Also Read: Affordable Summer Camps and Programs Your Kids Can Still Join in NYC
Distribution of benefits began on June 18, 2025, and will continue throughout the summer. Since the rollout is happening in phases, not all families will receive their benefits at the same time. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, don’t worry — your benefit is likely still on the way. You can check your balance and manage your benefits anytime using the ebtEDGE mobile app (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store) or by visiting www.ebtedge.com.
If you haven’t received your child’s benefit by August 1, 2025, you should contact the Summer EBT helpline at 1-833-452-0096 for assistance. The helpline is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Keep in mind that Summer EBT benefits will expire 122 days after the date they are issued, so be sure to use them before the deadline. All unused benefits will be removed from the card.
Can undocumented families apply for Summer EBT?
Yes, undocumented families can apply for the Summer EBT program in New York. Immigration status does not affect eligibility, and applying for or receiving Summer EBT benefits will not impact your or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to Summer EBT benefits.
Does getting Summer EBT affect my SNAP benefits?
No. Receiving Summer EBT will not affect any other food benefits your family receives. It’s considered additional support, provided on top of any other benefits you or your children may already be getting.
