New York Summer EBT 2026: Who Qualifies for the $120 Grocery Benefit?

New York Summer EBT $120 Grocery Benefit: New York families will get Summer EBT again in 2026. The program gives $120 per child to help buy groceries during the summer break, when school meals are not available. It is made for families with school-age children who may have a hard time replacing free or low-cost school meals once classes end. Hunger Solutions New York says the 2026 benefits will start going out in June 2026, and the application deadline is September 8, 2026.

Summer EBT works through an EBT card. Families can use it at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other SNAP-approved places that take EBT. The state says the benefit is a one-time payment for each eligible child and is meant to help families get food in the summer, not replace other food aid. OTDA and Hunger Solutions New York both say Summer EBT works together with summer meal sites and other nutrition programs.

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Who may need to apply?

Most children who qualify will get the benefit automatically. That includes kids who get SNAP, Temporary Assistance, Medicaid-based direct certification, or who already qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through the school lunch program. Hunger Solutions New York says some children may still need to apply if they are not automatically enrolled but meet the income and school rules.

Families who do need to apply can do it through the state Summer EBT page. OTDA says benefits are meant for eligible children only, and families should keep their address updated so they do not miss a letter, email, or text message from the state. In the words of Cody Bloomfield, “We really want to let families know about all the nutrition supports available to them,”. Bloomfield also said the program is meant to work with summer meals, not instead of them, so families can use both supports.

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What Families should watch for

Families that got Summer EBT before may not get a brand-new card. In many cases, the money is loaded onto the same card again, so it is smart to keep it safe. OTDA also warns families to protect their cards from fraud by freezing the card when needed and never sharing card details with strangers.

The money does not stay on the card forever. OTDA says Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after they are issued, and unused funds are removed after that. Families should try to use the benefits soon after they arrive. Bloomfield also warned households to change the PIN on the card because other states have reported theft of Summer EBT money.

Families may also qualify for other help at the same time, including SNAP and WIC, if they meet the rules. Hunger Solutions New York says these programs can all work together to help children get enough food during the summer months.