New York State’s new “Summer EBT” electronic welfare transfer card program will begin accepting applications on July 1st. Low-income families participating in the program will receive $120 per eligible school-aged child during the summer to help cover the cost of groceries during school vacation.
“Summer EBT” is similar to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in which electronic benefit transfer cards (EBT) are issued for purchasing food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other retailers that accept food stamps. Children from families already receiving food stamps, Temporary Assistance, or discounted school meals will automatically qualify, while other low-income families must apply. A family of four with an annual income below $57,720 or monthly income below $4,810 is eligible to apply. For more details, visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Summer EBT webpage. The page can be switched to Chinese at the bottom right corner, link: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will launch the online application portal for Summer EBT on July 1st. Applicants must first create an ID account on NY.gov (link: https://my.ny.gov/LoginV4/login.xhtml) and provide the names, birthdates, and schools of each child applying, as well as the names and income information of all other family members. Information on participation in food stamps, temporary assistance, Medicaid, or other welfare programs must also be provided, along with address, phone number, and email contact information. A customer service hotline for Summer EBT is available at 833-452-0096 to answer questions about eligibility or application status starting on the same day. The deadline for applications is September 3rd.
Subsidies for Summer EBT are expected to be gradually deposited onto electronic benefit transfer cards starting in mid-July 2024, and no later than October. Children attending public schools and automatically qualifying students are expected to be the first to receive the benefits. This aid is temporary and will expire 122 days after being credited.