If you have a child, you should know this. The U.S. government is launching an initiative called Summer EBT, which means families will be able to receive an economic aid if there is a minor in the house. Having in mind the many people who go through difficult times, this aid will be a breath of fresh air.
You should also know there are many aids you can benefit from, but today we are focusing on the Summer EBT program. So, let’s more in detail about who can be eligible for this aid and how much they will receive.
Summer EBT program
This is an initiative from the U.S. government to economically support families with school-age children for the summer period. The main goal of this program is to cover extra food expenses some families face when schools are closed.
During the school period, millions of children of the United States receive free or cheaper lunches thanks to federal programs. But what happens when school is over, and they are on summer vacation? Schools are closed, which means this benefit is no longer available. That’s when parents have to make an economic effort to cover those lunches their children were having at school. So, to make up for it, the government has come up with this program that provides $120 per child in summertime.
Children eligible for this benefit
The Summer EBT program is aimed at children ranging from 6 to 18 years old, only if they are part of any of the following federal programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as food stamps.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): this program provides economic aid to low-income families.
- Medicaid: health insurance system for people with low-income.
- Free or reduced-price school lunches program.
How do you apply for the Summer EBT benefit?
Most families who are already beneficiating from the previously mentioned programs don’t need to do anything to receive the Summer EBT benefit, because this will automatically apply. However, depending on the state you will have to apply for it, mostly if the minor is not part of any of the programs listed before. If this is your case, you don’t need to worry because you have from July 1 until September 4 to sign up. Make sure you do it during the established period to be able to receive the aid.
Receiving the payments
Each child will receive $120, which will be divided into three payments of $40 each and they correspond to the months of June, July and August (when children normally don’t have to go to school). However, payments will start to be sent between August and September.
The money will be deposited in the EBT card most families already use for other food benefits. If you are new in this benefits thing and don’t have this card, you will be sent a new Summer EBT special. This card is very easy to use because it works as a regular credit card, but you can only use it to buy food in authorized stores.
Places where you can use the Summer EBT money
Don’t think you can go to McDonald’s or any other fast-food chain, this benefit is designed for buying only basic food in supermarkets, authorized retail stores, and farmers’ markets. Thanks to this money you will be able to buy a wide range of products such as fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, cereals, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Does it have an expiring date?
Yes, it has. Once you receive the money on your EBT card or Summer EBT, you have 122 days to use it (around 4 months). What happens if don’t use all the money in this period of time? You lose it. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to when the deposit is made and use it, so that you don’t lose that benefit.
Know if you will receive the benefit
In case you’d like to confirm your child or children are eligible for the Summer EBT program, or you just want to check if the deposit was made, you have three options:
- ebtEDGE app: you can upload it on your mobile phone to check the money available, deposits, and see the purchase history.
- Phone call: you can also call 1-833-452-0096 to check the money on the card, freeze or block the card in case of loss or theft, and solve issues related to activation or use of the card.
- State web sites: here you can make sure what are the implementations on your state, since they can vary depending on the state.
So, now you know another economic benefit you can make use of. It’s important to be informed about all the different aids you can have access to. Every help is going to be a positive change for families who can’t afford basic needs, as food.