New York Summer EBT 2026: Everything You Need to Know About This Year's Grocery Benefits

New York's Summer EBT program is back for 2026. This program gives families $120 per child to help pay for groceries during summer break when kids no longer have access to free school meals.

The money is loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card. Families can use it to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other stores that accept SNAP benefits.

Who Can Get These Benefits?

The program is designed for families with school-age children who normally receive free or reduced-price meals at school.

Good news: Most families don't need to fill out an application. Children are usually signed up automatically if their family already participates in:

• SNAP (food stamps)
• Temporary Assistance
• Medicaid
• Free or reduced-price school meals

However, some families may need to apply. If you think your child qualifies but you haven't heard anything within the next two weeks, visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) website and use their eligibility checker.

When Will Benefits Arrive?

Cards are expected to start going out this week. Watch for a letter, email, or text message letting you know if your children will receive benefits.

If you received Summer EBT last year, keep your old card. In many cases, the new benefits will simply be added to your existing card instead of a new one being sent.

Protect Your Benefits from Theft

Officials are warning families to protect their money from fraud. Other states have reported cases of Summer EBT benefits being stolen.

What you should do: Change the PIN number on your card right away to keep your benefits safe.

Important Deadline

Summer EBT benefits expire after 122 days. Any money left on the card after that time will be removed. The state will send reminders when your benefits are close to expiring, but make sure to use the money before the deadline.

You Can Use Multiple Programs

Summer EBT is separate from SNAP, even though the cards look similar. This means families can use both programs at the same time.

"Summer EBT was meant to work in conjunction with Summer Meals as a support, as a complement for the program. So it's not either or. Families can participate in both," said Cody Bloomfield of Hunger Solutions New York.

Eligible families can also participate in:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program)
• Summer Meals sites in their community

For more information or to check your eligibility, visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.

-

Subscribe to secure your food stamps and learn more about this government benefit.