The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is once again issuing Summer EBT benefits to eligible families. Each qualifying child will receive a one-time benefit of $120 to help cover food expenses during the summer months.
The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Food Service Program office frequently receives inquiries about Summer EBT, as the eligibility criteria align with those for free or reduced-price school meals. However, since the program’s districts operate under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), the program no longer processes individual Free/Reduced Meal Applications. Please note that the Income Collection forms the office does process do not automatically qualify families for Summer EBT.
Information for families:
Automatic eligibility:
- Children aged 6-16 who received SNAP, Temporary Assistance (cash), or Medicaid benefits at any time between July 1, 2024, and Sept. 4, 2025, are automatically eligible.
- Children of any age who were directly certified for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) by their school during the 2024–2025 school year are also automatically eligible.
Application Required:
- Families whose children are not automatically eligible can apply for Summer EBT benefits.
- To qualify, the child must attend a school that participates in the NSLP, and the household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Applications must be submitted by Sept. 4, 2025.
- Apply online at https://summerebt.ny.gov/en-US/.
Benefit Distribution:
- OTDA will begin mailing eligibility letters starting early June.
- Benefits will be issued beginning mid June and will continue throughout the summer.
- If families do not receive an eligibility letter or benefit by Aug. 1, 2025, they should contact the Summer EBT Helpline at 1-833-452-0096.
Additional Resources:
Outreach Materials for Schools and Providers: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/school-provider-information/
Summer EBT Program Overview: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
Frequently Asked Questions: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/summer-ebt-faq.asp