Summer EBT (Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer) is a permanent, nationwide program that was established by Congress in December of 2022. It provides families approximately $40 a month per eligible child to help with food costs during the summer months. Monthly benefits for states with a higher cost of living – such as Alaska, Hawaii, and the Territories – will be slightly higher.
Each summer, eligible families will receive money on an EBT card to purchase groceries at approved stores during the summer months. 37 states, Washington DC, all US territories, and 2 tribes participated in 2024.
Quick Facts
- Summer EBT is a proven method to reduce household food insecurity and improve nutrition during the summer months.
- The program acts as a complement to the traditional Summer Nutrition Programs.
The Permanent Summer EBT Program
- EligibilityChildren are eligible for Summer EBT benefits if they qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Schools determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals by asking families to fill out a school meal application, or by directly certifying if the child participates in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid (if applicable in the state), or if they are experiencing homelessness, a foster child, or migrant student.
Families need to apply for Summer EBT if their student attends a Community Eligibility or Provision 2 school and is not directly certified through the program options listed above. For more information on eligibility, please see FRAC’s Eligibility Guide.
- Summer EBT and Summer MealsSummer EBT does not replace the Summer Nutrition Programs. They are complementary programs and families are encouraged to use both programs to meet their nutrition needs during the summer months.
Pandemic EBT
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) was a program that provided nutritional resources to families who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to COVID-19 school or childcare closures between March 2020 and September 2023. Families received money on a new or existing EBT card to help fill the school and childcare meals gap throughout the three years this program ran. This program is no longer active. Access FRAC’s resources on Pandemic EBT.
FRAC Summer EBT Resources
- Program Basics
- Communications Resources
- Advocacy Resources
- Reports
More information about Summer EBT is available on USDA’s website.
Summer EBT for Families
Is a child in your household eligible for Summer EBT? Curious if your state is participating in the Program? Explore our map for families.
