LSNJLAW SM

Find Free NJ Legal Information

Welcome to the LSNJLAWSM website, provided by Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ). LSNJ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free civil legal assistance to low-income people in New Jersey. Find legal information by clicking on a legal topic or typing a few words into the search box. 

LSNJ LAW Home > Legal Topics > Government Aid and Services > Food - Hunger/Nutrition > School Breakfast and School Lunch

The Summer EBT Program in New Jersey

 

Food insecurity is a nationwide problem. When schools are closed during the summer break, many children need access to healthy and nourishing meals. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program can help vulnerable low-income families meet this need.

In 2022, Congress created the nationwide Summer EBT program to combat child hunger throughout the summer for students who depend on school meals. Cash assistance is provided to eligible students who receive free or reduced-price meals at school.

Eligible students receive $40 per month for each summer month, totaling $120 per child. Money is provided through an EBT card, which functions like a credit or debit card and can be used to buy food at authorized stores.

Who is eligible?

Children enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and who qualify for free or reduced-price meals are eligible for Summer EBT. (More information about School Nutrition Programs can be at School Nutrition Programs: Your Child Could Be Eligible) This includes preschoolers, students through high school, and children with disabilities in special education programs.

Summer EBT benefits will be provided for students who are:

  • New Jersey residents,
  • In grades K-12 eligible for free or reduced-price school meals,
  • Attending a school enrolled in NSLP or SBP,
  • In a family that completed and submitted a school meal application for their children, and
  • In a household at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

If your child is homeschooled or attends a school that does not participate in NSLP/SBP, they may still qualify if your household received SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, or Foster Care benefits during the 2024–2025 school year and your child is between 6 and 16 years old.

EBT Income Guidelines for 2025

Household Size

Annual

Monthly

Twice Monthly

Bi Weekly

Weekly

1

$28,953

$2,413

$1,207

$1,114

$557

2

$39,128

$3,261

$1,631

$1,505

$753

3

$49,303

$4,109

$2,055

$1,897

$949

4

$59,478

$4,957

$2,903

$2,288

$1,144

5

$69,653

$5,805

$2,903

$2,679

$1,340

6

$79,828

$6,653

$3,327

$3,071

$1,536

7

$90,003

$7,501

$3,327

$3,462

$1,731

8

$100,178

$8,349

$4,175

$3,853

$1,927

+ Add’l Person

$10,175

$848

$424

$392

$196

 

Immigration Status and Public Charge

Families do not need to provide immigration and citizenship documentation when receiving Summer EBT benefits or applying for school meals. Children receiving Summer EBT and free or reduced-price meals will not affect the immigration status of anyone in the family.

School Meal Applications

Schools typically send school meal applications to students’ home addresses at the start of each school year, but parents can apply at any time. While the application process may vary by school, most forms are available online. To ensure you have the correct application and instructions, contact your child’s school or district directly.

Protecting Your Summer EBT Benefits

To protect your EBT benefits, never share your card number or PIN with anyone you do not trust. It is recommended that you do not write your PIN number on your card or keep a record of your number in your wallet. Regularly check your balance to spot any unauthorized transactions. If you lose your card or if you think someone knows your PIN, immediately call 1-800-997-3333 to freeze your benefits and replace your card.

You can help protect your Summer EBT benefits from theft by locking and unlocking your EBT card through the ConnectEBT app or at New Jersey EBT Login. Before making a purchase, simply unlock your card. Once you’re done shopping, lock it again. This ensures your card is only active during your transaction and cannot be used when locked.

Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days from the date your benefits were first loaded onto your Summer EBT card.