Your child is automatically eligible. You do not need to apply for benefits.

Your child's Summer EBT food benefits card will be mailed to the address listed on this letter.

Please call 1-833-452-0096 with any address changes.

Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days from when they are issued to your Summer EBT account.

Your child is eligible for a new program called Summer EBT, which helps families buy food during the summer when school is not in session. The child listed on this letter will automatically be enrolled in the program, so you do not need to apply.

Each eligible child will receive one benefit payment of $120 that you can use to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers.

Your child's Summer EBT benefits will be mailed to you on a new Summer EBT food benefit card. Benefit issuance dates will be announced on the New York State Summer EBT website: otda.ny.gov/SummerEBT.

The food benefit card will be mailed to the address at the top of this letter. If your address has changed, you must update your address by calling the Summer EBT customer service helpline at 1-833-452-0096. While this notice may have been forwarded to your new address, Summer EBT food benefit cards cannot be forwarded by the US Postal Service.

Summer EBT benefits are available for 122 days from the date they were deposited into your Summer EBT account. After 122 days, all unused benefits will expire and will be removed from the benefit card. Expired benefits cannot be restored. Be sure to activate your card and use your benefits soon after you receive them. Information about how to activate and use your card will be included along with the food benefit card. Visit otda.ny.gov/SummerEBT to learn how to check your Summer EBT card balance online.

Please keep your Summer EBT food benefit card — benefits will be loaded onto this card for each summer that your child remains eligible for the program.

If you do not wish to participate in Summer EBT, call the Summer EBT customer service helpline at 1-833-452-0096 and request that your child be removed (opt-out) from the program.

If you receive more than $120 per eligible child in your household, do not use the benefits, and contact the Summer EBT customer service helpline as soon as possible to confirm or correct the error.

Receiving Summer EBT will not affect children or families' immigration status.

In addition to Summer EBT, children 18 years of age and younger in your household can also receive free meals during the summer at a summer meal site. You can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (or text “food” to 304-304) to find the location closest to you.

To learn more about Summer EBT including information on eligibility, benefit issuance, where Summer EBT benefits are accepted, and more, visit otda.ny.gov/SummerEBT or call the Summer EBT customer service helpline at 1-833-452-0096.

Non-Discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

New York State law additionally prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence.