Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) was one of the most vital supports for children and families throughout the pandemic, providing grocery money to families who would have usually received free and reduced school meals. We are excited to share that Kentucky will administer a similar program this summer called Summer EBT program, also known as SEBT. 

NOTE: Kentucky Youth Advocates does not administer SEBT, and we can only answer general questions about the program. Please DO NOT send us any personal information about you or your child. If you need help with your specific SEBT case, please contact the Cabinet for Health and Family Services at (855) 306-8959.

The Summer EBT program is a federal program that will help provide grocery benefits to eligible families with school aged children. Families will receive $120 per child, which will be loaded onto the participating family’s EBT card for the summer months of June, July, and August. If your household does not already have an EBT card, a new card will be sent to you by mail. 

Eligibility:

  • Students ages 6-17 who have received SNAP, K-TAP, and/or Kinship Care benefits for at least one month since July 1st, 2023 will automatically receive benefits and do not have to apply.
  • Students not in that category can apply for SEBT benefits online: https://kysebt.ky.gov/ or https://kynect.ky.gov/benefits/ 

Application:

  • For those not included in automatic benefits, the application will be available starting on June 24, 2024 and will close on August 15, 2024. Applications submitted on or after August 16, 2024 will be considered for Summer 2025 SNAP benefits. 
  • To apply for SEBT benefits, verification of the household monthly income will be needed, as well as the State Student Identification for each student applying

Please note that while it is not required, it is recommended to provide the social security number of the student applying to avoid a delay in processing the application.

Eligible students who have received SNAP, KTAP, or Kinship Care for at least one month since July 1st, 2023 will automatically receive their benefits by June 24, 2024. Students who are eligible after applying for SEBT benefits can expect to receive  their benefits in the mail within seven business days of submitting their application. 

Things to consider: 

  • If you no longer have your EBT card or it is damaged, you can request a new card by calling (888) 979-9949 and it will be mailed within two weeks.
  • If your address has changed and you need a new EBT card, you can call (855) 306-8959 to update your address and have a new card mailed to you.
  • If you receive the wrong amount of Summer-EBT benefits, you can request a reconsideration by calling the Cabinet for Health and Family Services at (855) 306-8959. You will need to have the student’s full name, date of birth, and State Student ID (SSID) number when you call.

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