Receive $120 per Eligible Child with the Summer EBT Program!
Learn how the Summer EBT Program can help you:
Summer EBT is a federal program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will receive $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who receive Summer EBT benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving benefits will not affect children or families’ immigration status.
How does Summer EBT work?
In New Jersey, Summer EBT benefits will be loaded onto an EBT card and mailed to your home. If eligible, you can use the benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept WIC or SNAP EBT benefits. Summer EBT is a convenient way for you to help your children thrive.
Is my child eligible for Summer EBT?*
Your child is eligible for Summer EBT benefits if:
Your household already receives SNAP, TANF, Foster Care, or income eligible Medicaid benefits,
Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and your household income meets the requirements for federal free or federal reduced price school meals.
*Please be advised that students who qualify under NJEIE status are not eligible for the Summer EBT benefit.
How do I apply for Summer EBT benefits in NJ?
If your household already gets SNAP, TANF, Foster Care, or income eligible Medicaid benefits, your child is automatically eligible and will get the Summer EBT benefit. You do not need to fill out an application, but make sure your local school district has your current address on file. You will receive a NJ Summer EBT card in the mail. Watch for the card in the mail in June.
If your household already completed a School Meals and Summer EBT Application and your child was approved for Federal Free or Federal Reduced Meals, your child is automatically eligible
and will get the Summer EBT benefit. You do not need to fill out another application, but make sure your local school district has your current address on file. You will receive a NJ Summer EBT card in the mail. Watch for the card in the mail in June.
If your child is not automatically eligible, and you DID NOT complete and return a School Meals and Summer EBT Application to your child’s school, but believe your child may qualify, you are encouraged to complete a School Meal & Summer EBT Application and submit it to your local school district to see if you qualify for the Federal Summer EBT benefit prior to the start of summer.
Please note, only NES and SBMS are qualifying schools that participate in the NSLP
If your child is not automatically eligible (as indicated above) you can apply for Summer EBT Benefits by completing the Federal Application for School Meals:
Visit your Genesis Parent Portal (Forms Tab) for a digital application
Or...
Additionally, an eligibility flow chart is available at the above link as well as the EBT flyer.