How Summer EBT Works and What Your Family Receives

What Summer EBT actually is

Summer EBT is a federal program that puts money on a card for groceries during the months when school is not in session. The money goes to families with children who normally receive free or reduced-price school meals. Instead of eating at school, your child eats at home, and this program helps pay for that food.

The program runs from early June through mid-August, though the exact dates shift slightly each year. Your state's Department of Education or Department of Human Services runs it, not a separate office. The money loads onto an EBT card — the same card your family may already use for SNAP (food stamps) — or onto a new card issued just for summer.

You do not have to do anything to receive it if your child was already on free or reduced-price meals at school. The school district has your information and sends it to the state. The money simply appears on your card before summer starts.

Key Takeaways

• Summer EBT provides grocery money for children who receive free or reduced-price school meals, loading onto an EBT card before school ends.
• The amount per child is set by your state and typically ranges from $100 to $120 for the entire summer, though this varies.
• You do not need to reapply if your child was already on free or reduced-price meals; the school district sends your information to the state automatically.
• The money can only be spent on food at grocery stores and farmers markets, not on prepared meals, restaurants, or non-food items.
• If you miss the initial distribution, your state usually has a second round of enrollment in July for families who did not receive the first payment.

How much money your child receives

The amount varies by state. Most states provide between $100 and $120 per child for the entire summer, but some states offer more. Your state's Department of Education website lists the exact amount for your state.

If you have multiple children who may have access to, each child gets the full amount. A family with three may have access to children receives three times the per-child amount. The money does not run out — every may be able to access child receives their full share.

Who qualifies and how enrollment works

Your child qualifies if they were on free or reduced-price school meals during the 2023–2024 school year (or the current school year, depending on when you are reading this). The school district already knows this. They send a file to your state's Department of Education with the names, birthdates, and case numbers of all children on free or reduced-price meals.

The state then issues an EBT card or loads the money onto an existing card. You should receive notice by mail or email telling you the card number and when the money will arrive. If you do not receive notice by mid-May, contact your school district's free and reduced-price meals office to confirm your child is on the list.

If your child was not on free or reduced-price meals during the school year but you believe they should have been, you can still enroll during the summer. Your state runs a second enrollment period, usually in early July. You will need to fill out an income form to show your household qualifies. Your school district or your state's Department of Education can send you the form.

What you can and cannot buy with Summer EBT

Summer EBT money works exactly like SNAP. You can buy food to cook at home: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, rice, beans, cereal, and anything else you would find in a grocery store's food aisles. You can use it at most grocery stores and at farmers markets that accept EBT.

You cannot buy prepared food, hot food, restaurant meals, vitamins, medicine, pet food, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. You also cannot withdraw the money as cash. The card only works for may be able to access food purchases.

When the money arrives and how to use it

Most states load the money onto cards in late May or early June, before school ends. Some states do it in waves — a portion of children in early June, another portion in mid-June. Check your state's Department of Education website for the exact schedule.

Once the money is on your card, you can use it immediately. You do not have to spend it all at once. The money stays on the card through August, so you can spread your purchases across the summer. Any money left unspent at the end of August disappears — it does not roll over to the next year or convert to cash.

If you lose your card or it stops working, contact the customer service number on the back of the card or call your state's EBT customer service line. They can issue a replacement or reload the balance onto a new card.

What to do if you do not receive your card or money

If your child should may have access to but you do not receive a card by mid-June, start with your school district. Call the free and reduced-price meals office and ask them to confirm your child is on their list and that they submitted your information to the state.

If the school confirms they submitted your information, contact your state's Department of Education Summer EBT program office. They can tell you whether the card was mailed and to what address. If the card was mailed but you never received it, they can issue a replacement or load the balance onto a new card.

If your child was not on free or reduced-price meals during the school year, you can still enroll during the second enrollment period in July. You will need to complete an income form. Your school district can provide this form, or you can find it on your state's Department of Education website.

Summer EBT and other benefits

Summer EBT does not affect your SNAP benefits, Medicaid, or any other assistance program. It is a separate, temporary program that runs only during summer. Receiving Summer EBT will not change your may be able to access for anything else.

If your family does not currently receive SNAP but you think you might may have access to, you can apply year-round through your state's SNAP office. Summer EBT is not a substitute for SNAP — it is an extra resource for families whose children eat free or reduced-price meals at school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Summer EBT at any grocery store?

No. You can use it at stores that accept EBT — most large grocery chains and many smaller markets do, but not all. Convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants do not accept it. When you are at a store, ask if they take EBT, or look for the EBT logo at the register.

What happens to money I do not spend by the end of August?

Any balance left on the card at the end of August is gone. The money does not roll over to the next year, and you cannot withdraw it as cash. Plan your purchases so you use the full amount during the summer months.

Do I have to do anything to get Summer EBT if my child was on free meals at school?

No. If your child was on free or reduced-price meals during the school year, the school district sends your information to the state automatically. You should receive a card in the mail before summer starts. You do not need to fill out any forms or call anyone.

Can I use Summer EBT for my grandchild or foster child?

Yes, if the child was on free or reduced-price meals at school. The program is based on the child's enrollment in free meals, not on who you are related to. The school district will have the child's information if they were on free or reduced-price meals.

What if my income changed since the school year started?

If your income changed and you no longer may have access to for free meals, your child may still receive Summer EBT based on their enrollment during the school year. If your income changed and you now may have access to for free meals when you did not before, you can enroll during the July enrollment period by submitting an income form.