Summer EBT Reconsideration Process

Summer EBT reconsideration is the process by which the State reviewed Summer EBT requests from households that believe their children should have received benefits but whose applications were not approved. The reconsideration process provided a second opportunity for approval for families who were initially denied through the Summer EBT application process.

Please note: Reconsideration was only available to families that submitted a Summer EBT application. If a family did not submit a Summer EBT application because they believe their child should be automatically eligible through participation in SNAP, Families First, TennCare, and/or the National School Lunch Program, the family would not see the reconsideration request option within the Parent Portal. 

The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program is a federally funded food assistance program administered at the state level which provides 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.

The Summer EBT reconsideration period began on June 17 and ended July 31, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Summer EBT reconsideration period?

The Summer EBT reconsideration period began on June 17 and ended July 31. 

If a family’s reconsideration request is denied, the family may file an appeal August 15, 2024 – November 13, 2024.

Can a household request reconsideration if a child was not streamlined certified or was determined ineligible through a Summer EBT application?

Reconsideration was only available to families that submitted a Summer EBT application. If a family did not submit a Summer EBT application because they believed their child should be streamline certified through participation in SNAP, Families First, TennCare, and/or the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the family will not see the reconsideration request option within the Parent Portal. 

If approved through Reconsideration, when do my benefits expire?

Upon approval, benefits will remain valid for 122 days after Summer EBT card issuance.

Is the Summer EBT benefit amount for Reconsideration request the same as the amount for the main Summer EBT application?

Yes, the benefit amount approved through the reconsideration process was $120, the same amount issued to all S-EBT participants whether eligibility is determined via streamline certification or Summer EBT application.

How do I make a reconsideration request?

Reconsideration request forms were available on the Summer EBT Parent Portal June 17, 2024 – July 31, 2024.