NYS offers more assistance for Summer EBT: How many children will qualify?

NEW YORK (PIX11) – If you have yet to apply or receive Summer EBT benefits and are afraid it might be too late – don't fret, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

New York state is offering more assistance for the Summer EBT program, Hochul said. The state has already issued $200 million in food assistance to 1.5 million children.

The state expects at least 2 million children to qualify for the program, according to Hochul.

Families in the Summer EBT program get a one-time payment of $120 per child for groceries. Most eligible children automatically receive their Summer EBT benefits and don't need to apply, according to Hochul.

Children who attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and get free or reduced-price school meals also qualify for the program. If you weren't automatically enrolled in the program, you can apply through the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Applications for the program are due by Sept. 3.

The state also recently expanded its Empire State Child Credit program in an effort to help low- to moderate-income families in the state. The state is sending a supplemental payment this summer of up to $330 per child to families who received a tax credit after filing for the 2023 tax year.