Summer food assistance programs are an essential part of ensuring that children in low-income households don’t go hungry when school is out. For families who rely on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) during the school year, the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program provides vital help to cover meal costs during the summer break. As we head into August 2025, many households are wondering when their Summer EBT benefits will arrive, how much they’ll receive, and if they’re eligible.
Summer Food Stamps in August 2025
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount of Benefit | $120 per eligible child; $40 for each of the three summer months. |
| Eligibility | Children aged 6-18, enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). |
| Deposit Dates | Varies by state; check your state’s official website for exact dates. |
| Application Deadline | Most states have deadlines in late August 2025 for new applicants. |
| Program Start Date | May 2025 (benefits issued for June, July, and August). |
| Official Websites | USDA Summer EBT Page |
| How to Apply | Online applications and automatic enrollment available in some states. |
The Summer EBT program is a lifeline for families with children who rely on school meal programs. By providing funds to purchase nutritious food during the summer months, Summer EBT helps ensure that children stay well-fed and healthy. With a clear understanding of eligibility, benefit amounts, and how to track deposits, families can make the most of the program and ensure they’re getting the support they need.
What Are Summer Food Stamps (Summer EBT)?
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program is designed to provide low-income families with extra assistance during the summer months when school meal programs are not available. The program offers eligible children a monthly benefit that can be used to buy food, helping ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious meals during the school break.
The Summer EBT program operates through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which are similar to debit cards. These cards are loaded with funds each month of the summer and can be used at participating grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and even some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Why is Summer EBT Important?
For many children, the summer break means missing out on the free or reduced-price meals they get at school. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), millions of children across the country rely on these programs to access nutritious meals. In fact, around 22 million children received free or reduced-price lunch during the 2020-2021 school year, and the Summer EBT program helps bridge the gap when those school meals aren’t available.
With the added cost of feeding children during summer break, Summer EBT provides a much-needed relief for families who may already be struggling to make ends meet.
Key Benefits of Summer EBT in August 2025
- Financial Relief: Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. This amount is distributed over three months (June, July, and August) in increments of $40 per month. This ensures children can continue to receive meals without burdening the family budget.
- Easy Access to Benefits: The funds are loaded directly onto EBT cards, making them easy to use for groceries and other food items. This system helps families purchase what they need, and the funds are available for use at any time during the summer.
- Access to Fresh Food: Many states allow the use of Summer EBT funds at farmers’ markets, which promotes access to fresh, healthy, local food options, benefiting both families and local farmers.
- Nationwide Availability: Summer EBT is available in many states, including California, Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Nevada, to name a few. States may offer the program under different names like SUN Bucks or Summer Food Assistance. Always check with your state’s official website for details on how to apply and when to expect benefits.
Eligibility Requirements for Summer EBT
The eligibility for Summer EBT largely mirrors the qualifications for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). In order to receive benefits, the child must:
- Be Between the Ages of 6 and 18: Children must be enrolled in a public or private school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
- Meet Income Guidelines: Families with children must meet income eligibility guidelines, which are typically at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). This means that a family of four must have an annual income of about $55,000 or less.
- Enroll in Participating Schools: The child must be enrolled in a school that participates in the NSLP or SBP.
Automatic Enrollment vs. Application
Some states automatically enroll eligible children who are already receiving benefits through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Medicaid, or school meal programs. However, in other states, families may need to apply for Summer EBT benefits through an online application or through their state’s social services department.
How to Check EBT Deposit Dates and Amounts
Once you know you’re eligible for Summer EBT benefits, it’s important to know when the benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card. Deposit dates can vary by state, but most states will issue benefits between late May and early June, and those benefits will be available for the entire summer (until the end of August).
Here’s how to check your EBT deposit dates:
- Visit your state’s official website: Each state has its own system for issuing Summer EBT benefits, so start by visiting the official website for your state’s food assistance program.
- Log into your EBT account: You may need to create or log into an online account with your state’s EBT provider, such as Illinois Link, to track your benefits.
- Check for updates: Many states also allow you to check when your benefits will be deposited, either through their online portal or by calling their customer service line.
Example States and Their Programs:
- California: In California, Summer EBT is distributed through the Sun Bucks program. Benefits are usually deposited onto existing EBT cards in late June.
- Michigan: In Michigan, families will receive Summer EBT through the SUN Bucks initiative, and benefits are automatically loaded onto Bridge Cards.
- Illinois: In Illinois, Summer EBT benefits are issued to existing Link Cards, and families can check their balance online.
For exact deposit dates and how to track your benefits, visit your state’s Summer EBT webpage.
How to Use Your Summer EBT Benefits
Once your benefits are deposited onto your EBT card, it’s easy to use them. Here are some ways to maximize your Summer EBT funds:
- Use at Grocery Stores: You can use your Summer EBT card just like a debit card at participating grocery stores. This includes major chains like Walmart, Target, and local stores that accept EBT.
- Farmers’ Markets: Many states allow the use of Summer EBT at farmers’ markets, providing access to fresh produce and local goods.
- Online Shopping: In some areas, Summer EBT benefits can be used to buy groceries from online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
What Can You Buy With Summer EBT?
The funds on your EBT card can be used to buy a wide variety of food, including:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Bread, cereal, and other grains
- Snacks and other food items (but no alcohol or non-food items)
Be sure to read the store’s policies to ensure that the items you are purchasing are eligible.
FAQs
1. When will I receive my Summer EBT benefits in August 2025?
The exact deposit date varies by state. Most benefits are issued in late May or early June, and the funds are available for the summer months (until the end of August).
2. Do I need to apply for Summer EBT or is it automatic?
It depends on your state. Some states automatically enroll children who are already enrolled in the NSLP or SBP, while others require families to apply.
3. How much money will I receive for each child?
Eligible families will receive $120 per child for the summer—$40 for each of the three months: June, July, and August.
4. Can I use my Summer EBT benefits for anything other than food?
No. Summer EBT benefits are strictly for food purchases. You cannot use the benefits for non-food items like toiletries, cleaning products, or alcohol.
5. What if I don’t see my benefits in my account?
If you don’t see your benefits deposited, check your state’s official website for the deposit schedule, and if necessary, contact customer service for assistance.
