How the Summer EBT program will help struggling NY families

NEW YORK (PIX11) – New York State began accepting applications Monday for a new program designed to help families with school-aged children buy groceries this summer.

Families in the Summer EBT program will receive a one-time installment of $120 per child for the summer. The money will be put on an EBT card used at grocery stores and farmers' markets.

Children who already receive SNAP or free/reduced-price school meals are automatically enrolled in the program, and parents will be notified by mail. They will receive benefits starting mid-July and continuing for four to six weeks.

All other families, like those with children who attend private school, must apply. If you need to apply for Summer EBT, you could receive benefits as early as August or as late as October, depending on when the application was submitted.

There are also income thresholds for families eligible for Summer EBT:

Applications are open in both English and Spanish. To apply, click here.

Applications close on Sept. 3.