If your child is not already directly certified or categorically eligible, and you did not complete and return an application for free school meals to your child’s school, then you are encouraged to submit a School Meals Application to see if you qualify for the federal Summer EBT benefit prior to the start of summer.

Summer EBT is a new-to-NJ child nutrition program intended to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children when school is not in session. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, anywhere SNAP/EBT is accepted.

Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.

Children are automatically eligible for the NJ Summer EBT program and do not need to apply to receive a benefit if:

Children are automatically eligible for the NJ Summer EBT program and do not need to apply to receive a benefit if:

The household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR

The household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025  and the child is not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, but was between ages 6-16 between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025; OR

The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR

The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 and the child is not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program but is between ages 6-16 between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025; OR

The child is a migrant, homeless, a runaway, in foster care, or attends a Head Start program administered by the school district, and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR

The household applied for and was approved to receive federal free or federal reduced-priced school meals through the School Meals and Summer EBT application.

You do not need to apply, but make sure your address is up to date with your local school district and/or your local county social service agency.

Age Groups	Children Adolescents
Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance Financial Assistance / Referrals

Last Updated: 04/25/25