The Summer EBT program, launched for the first time last year, is aimed at providing support to low-income families to cover the costs of meals that would typically be provided at schools. This federal benefit comes after a similar program was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a lifeline for many families in need. However, while the program was intended to help families struggling to afford food, many eligible families didn’t claim the benefits, leaving millions of dollars in aid unused. Some critics have pointed out that the lack of sufficient outreach might be responsible for the underutilization of these funds.
Despite the challenges, the Summer EBT program has helped families in New York State cope with rising grocery prices. A survey from No Kid Hungry found that 79% of New Yorkers reported that affording groceries had become harder in the past year, with more than half of public school families showing signs of food insecurity.
Though the program has helped, there are key differences compared to the pandemic-era benefits. During the pandemic, all New York City public school families received food benefits automatically. However, under the Summer EBT program, only certain families are eligible, and some may need to apply to receive the benefits.
Eligibility for Summer EBT Benefits in NYC
To qualify for the Summer EBT program, children must attend a school that offers free lunch and meet household income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. For example, a family of four can qualify with an annual income of $57,720 or less. Families can check if they meet the income requirements and apply for benefits on the state’s website.
It’s important to note that most families who already receive assistance from programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid will receive the benefits automatically. These families will be notified via mail in the summer. However, other families who do not receive automatic benefits must apply online to access the funds.
How to Apply for Summer EBT Benefits
Families who need to apply for Summer EBT benefits can do so through the state’s official online portal. The good news is that New York State has extended the application deadline, giving families more time to apply. Families now have until September 3rd to submit their applications for this year’s benefits.
Rachel Sabella, the director of No Kid Hungry New York, expressed her support for the program, saying, “This money makes a real difference when parents get to the register at a grocery store. It’s on all of us to keep pushing and find new ways to get families the benefits they’re entitled to.”
While last year saw a significant amount of funds being automatically issued to eligible children, many families still missed the opportunity to apply, and only about 17,000 applications were submitted statewide. This highlights the need for better outreach to ensure more families receive the support they need.
How Much Will Families Receive?
Eligible families will receive $120 per child in Summer EBT benefits. This program helps fill the gap for children who would typically rely on school-provided meals, but it doesn’t replace all meals during the summer. It can help families manage grocery costs and provide additional support as food prices continue to rise.
In total, New York State issued nearly $250 million in food benefits last year, which helped more than 2.1 million eligible children, with over 1.1 million children in New York City alone receiving the funds.
Could Summer EBT Be Impacted by Federal Cuts?
While the Summer EBT program provides crucial assistance to families, there are concerns about its future as federal funding could face cuts. Some Republican lawmakers have proposed significant reductions in funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the Summer EBT program, raising questions about whether future benefits could be at risk.
Stefan Lallinger, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, noted that cuts to the program could cause confusion and difficulties for low-income families who rely on this support. Although no immediate cuts to Summer EBT have been proposed, the potential for funding reductions remains a concern.
New York State officials, however, have emphasized their commitment to protecting vital programs like Summer EBT and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Darren O’Sullivan, a spokesperson for the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), assured that the state would continue to fight for the protection of food assistance programs in the face of federal budget cuts.
What’s Next for Summer EBT in 2025?
The Summer EBT program will continue to offer much-needed relief for New York City families in 2025, with the state’s website already accepting applications for next summer’s benefits. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of the financial support available.
Overall, the Summer EBT program serves as an essential safety net for families struggling with food insecurity during the summer months. With more time to apply and greater awareness of the benefits, this year could see a higher number of families taking full advantage of the program’s offerings.
For families in New York City, this summer’s benefits could make a significant difference in managing food costs and ensuring children have access to the nutrition they need during the summer months.
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