Families with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty line will receive $120 per child during the summer
During the summer, millions of people in the United States expect to see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits increase. This is because the program provides an additional benefit known as Summer EBT to eligible children who are on their vacation period.
At this time, both the federal and state governments provide food to children who are not eligible for free school meals during the vacations. This effort is made to ensure that children continue to receive adequate nutrition even outside the school term.
Also, this support represents an additional benefit of about $120.00 USD just during the school break. Families are advised to contact schools as soon as possible to ensure that there are no setbacks with obtaining this SNAP benefit during the summer of 2024.
Who is eligible?
The Summer EBT program is available to families whose children qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, meaning their income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty line. In its first year, the program is expected to reach approximately 70% of the eligible population.
In addition, to be eligible for Summer EBT, children’s households must already be receiving SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Children who are homeless, migrant or in foster care may also apply.
It is important to note that this additional benefit also extends to children participating in the Head Start program, which is administered by the school district.
Eligibility for the Summer EBT program is automatically determined if any of the above requirements are met. However, for those who do not meet these criteria, they still have the opportunity to apply for the benefit by completing and submitting a School Meals Application before the end of this May. It is important to note that this application must be submitted by the deadline to ensure inclusion in the program.
It is important to note that applications for the Summer EBT program are available both online, through the website of the school district to which the child belongs, and in paper format at school sites. This measure seeks to ensure that families have convenient access to applications and can choose the method that best suits their needs.