Summer EBT
The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program is a federally funded food assistance program administered at the state level. In Tennessee, the Department of Human Services (TDHS) utilizes records from the state’s Department of Education (DOE) to provide nutrition benefits to eligible school age children during summer months when school meals are not available. Like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), benefits are distributed through EBT cards that can be used to purchase groceries. Eligible families will receive $40 per eligible child, per month, in a one-time payment of $120 beginning in June 2024.
Summer EBT Eligibility
Tennessee children may qualify for Summer EBT through:
- Participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Families First (TANF), or TennCare (Medicaid): School age children who participated in SNAP, Families First (TANF), or TennCare during the 2023/24 academic year are automatically eligible for Summer EBT. These families do not need to apply for Summer EBT.
- 2023/24 National School Lunch Program Eligibility: Children who applied and were approved for free or reduced-price meals at a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participating school during the 2023/24 academic year are automatically eligible for Summer EBT. These families do not need to apply to receive Summer EBT.
- Summer EBT Application: Families who are not directly certified and did not receive NSLP for the 2023/24 school year can apply to receive Summer EBT. Benefit approval will be based on income guidelines.
The Summer EBT Application will open later in May 2024. Please check back for updates or follow @TNHumanServices on social media.