What Summer EBT Does and Who It Reaches

Summer EBT is a federal program that gives families with school-age children a card loaded with money for food during the summer months when school meals stop. The card works like a regular SNAP card at grocery stores and farmers markets. Unlike the school meal programs that run during the year, Summer EBT is not automatic — your state has to run the program, and you have to take a step to receive it.

The program started as a pilot in a handful of states in 2022 and has expanded each year. As of 2024, about 40 states and territories run Summer EBT, though the exact states and the amount loaded on each card change annually. The card typically arrives in June or July and covers June through August, though the exact timing depends on your state.

Summer EBT reaches children who are already getting SNAP benefits or who would be found may be able to access for SNAP if their family applied. Some states also include children who get free or reduced-price school meals through a different program. The amount loaded on the card is usually around $120 per child for the summer, though this varies by state.

Key Takeaways

  • Summer EBT loads money onto a card that works at grocery stores and farmers markets during the three summer months when school meals are not served.
  • Your state must run the program for you to receive it — not all states offer Summer EBT, and the program is not the same in every state that does.
  • Children already on SNAP are usually enrolled automatically, but children who are not yet on SNAP may need their family to take a step to receive the card.
  • The card arrives by mail, usually in June, and the money expires at the end of August or September depending on your state.
  • You can use Summer EBT at any store that takes SNAP, including grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers markets.

How to learn about Your State Runs Summer EBT

The easiest way to learn whether your state offers Summer EBT is to call your state's SNAP office directly. You can find the phone number by searching "[your state] SNAP office" or by calling 211, which connects you to local benefits programs. When you call, ask whether your state runs Summer EBT and whether your children are already enrolled.

If your state does run Summer EBT, the office can tell you the exact dates the card will arrive, how much money will be on it, and what you need to do if your children are not already on SNAP. Some states automatically enroll all children who are on SNAP; others require you to call or fill out a form to opt in. A few states enroll children based on school records without asking families to do anything at all.

You can also check the USDA's Summer EBT website, which lists which states are running the program that year. The site does not tell you how the process works in your state, but it confirms whether your state is participating and sometimes links to your state's program page.

What Happens If Your Children Are Not Yet on SNAP

If your children are not on SNAP but would be found may be able to access, some states will enroll them in Summer EBT without requiring a full SNAP process. Other states require you to explore for SNAP first before the children can get the Summer EBT card. The rule depends entirely on your state.

When you call your state SNAP office, ask directly: "Do I need to explore for SNAP first, or can my children get Summer EBT without being on SNAP?" The office can tell you the exact path in your state and what documents you will need. If your state requires a SNAP process, the office can usually tell you whether you can explore by phone, online, or by mail, and how long approval takes.

Some states have a simplified Summer EBT process that is shorter than a full SNAP process. If your state offers this, the office will explain the difference and help you decide which route is faster for your situation.

When the Card Arrives and How to Use It

Summer EBT cards arrive by mail, usually in late May or early June. The card looks like a regular debit card and works the same way at checkout — you insert it, tap it, or swipe it just like you would a SNAP card. The money on the card can only be used to buy food for the household, not prepared meals, alcohol, or non-food items.

You can use the card at any store that accepts SNAP, which includes most grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers markets and farm stands. You cannot use it at restaurants, convenience stores that do not sell fresh food, or online grocery delivery services in most states. If you are unsure whether a specific store takes SNAP, you can ask the cashier or call the store before you go.

The money on the card does not roll over to the next month. Whatever is not spent by the end of August or September (depending on your state) is gone. Some families find it helpful to plan larger grocery trips in late August to use the remaining balance before it expires.

What to Do If Your Card Does Not Arrive

If you are expecting a Summer EBT card and it does not arrive by mid-June, call your state SNAP office. Have your case number or Social Security number ready. The office can check whether the card was mailed and, if it was, whether it was returned as undeliverable. If the address on file is wrong, the office can update it and reissue the card.

If the card was lost or damaged in the mail, the office can issue a replacement. This usually takes a few days to a week. If you are running low on time before the summer ends, ask whether your state can issue an emergency card or load the money onto an existing SNAP card instead.

Do not assume the card will not arrive just because it is late. Mail delays are common in June, and cards sometimes arrive in early July. If you have not received it by mid-July, that is the time to call.

How Summer EBT Connects to Your Regular SNAP Benefits

If your household is already on SNAP, Summer EBT is separate from your regular monthly SNAP benefits. The Summer EBT card is a different card with different money on it, and it does not change the amount you get in your regular SNAP benefits. Both cards work at the same stores, and you can use them at the same time.

Some families worry that getting Summer EBT will affect their SNAP case or cause their benefits to be reduced. It will not. Summer EBT is a temporary summer program, and using it does not trigger a review of your SNAP case or change your may be able to access for anything else.

If your household is not on SNAP but gets Summer EBT, that does not automatically put you on SNAP. You would need to explore for SNAP separately if you want to continue getting food benefits after the summer ends. Your state SNAP office can explain the difference and help you understand what happens in September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Summer EBT to buy food for someone who is not my child?

No. Summer EBT is for children in the household, and the money can only be used to buy food for household members. You cannot use it to buy food for a friend or relative who does not live with you. The card itself does not restrict who you buy for, but the program rules say the money is for the household only.

What if my child is in summer school or camp — does that change anything?

No. Summer EBT is separate from school meal programs. Even if your child is in summer school and getting meals there, the Summer EBT card still arrives and the money is still yours to use. Some families use the card to buy snacks and food for home, even if the child is eating lunch at school or camp.

Do I have to do anything to keep the card after summer ends?

No. The Summer EBT card expires at the end of August or September, and you do not need to return it or do anything else. If your household is on regular SNAP, your regular benefits continue as usual. If you are not on SNAP and want to continue getting food benefits in the fall, you would need to explore for SNAP before the summer ends.

What if I move to a different state during the summer?

Call your new state's SNAP office as soon as you move. Your Summer EBT card from your old state may not work in your new state, and you may be able to get a new card from your new state if the program is still running. The office can tell you what to do and whether you need to reapply.

Can I use Summer EBT at a farmers market?

Yes, if the farmers market is authorized to take SNAP. Many farmers markets do accept SNAP and Summer EBT cards. Some markets have a booth where you can convert your card balance to tokens or vouchers that work at individual vendor stands. Call the farmers market ahead of time to ask whether they take SNAP, and if so, how the process works.