NYC families can claim $120 per child through this little-known grocery benefit before school starts—Here’s how to apply before next month’s deadline

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Sydney Hargrove

 –  Junior Staff Writer

 ·  August 3, 2026

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It’s hard to believe we’re already in August!

While the countdown to the first day of school is officially on for NYC families, there’s still time for parents to claim an extra $120 per eligible child to help stock the fridge and offset grocery costs before students head back to the classroom.

Through the federally funded Summer EBT program, qualifying New York families can receive $120 per eligible child to spend on groceries while school is out.

Applications remain open through early September, though many households will receive the benefit automatically if they’re already enrolled in eligible assistance programs.

What to Know About Summer EBT

Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) is designed to help bridge the nutritional gap during the summer months when school meal programs are paused.

• The Benefit Amount: Eligible children receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer.
• Application Deadline: September 8, 2026.
• Expiration Rules: Funds expire 122 days after they are loaded onto the EBT card, so families should aim to spend them before they lapse.

Who Qualifies for Benefits?

Roughly 2 million children across New York State are expected to qualify for the program this year, bringing an estimated $240 million in federal grocery assistance to families. And good news: many households won’t have to do anything at all.

If your school-age child already receives benefits through SNAP, Temporary Assistance (Cash Assistance), or Medicaid (and meets the program’s income requirements), the $120 per eligible child will be automatically loaded onto your existing EBT or Common Benefit card—no application required.

Don’t receive public assistance? You may still qualify. Families can apply if their child attends a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and their household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

How to Apply Before the September Deadline

If you need to submit an application for your school-age child:

1. Apply Online: Visit the official New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Summer EBT portal via ACCESS NYC or the NYS OTDA website.
2. Gather Required Details: Have your child’s school name, date of birth, household income details, and student ID (if available) ready.
3. Submit by Sept. 8: Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline to receive benefits for the 2026 summer period.