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.
Applying for Summer EBT
Although most Summer EBT recipients will not need to apply to receive benefits, Tennessee families should apply for Summer EBT if:
- Their child is not directly certified through SNAP, Families First or TennCare.
- They did not receive approval for an NSLP application or receive free or reduced priced meals at a NSLP participant school during the 2023/24 academic year. These students should apply regardless of their school’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) status. CEP is a universal meal plan under the NSLP that permits eligible districts and schools to provide meal service to all students at no charge, regardless of economic status. Students at CEP schools are encouraged to apply.
Checking Your Child’s Summer EBT Eligibility Status
The Summer EBT Parent Portal also makes it easy for Tennessee parents to
- Review a student’s contact information to ensure benefits are delivered to the correct address.
- Sign up to receive Summer EBT text message updates.
- File a reconsideration request or appeal, if necessary.
Note: Tennessee families who already have a One DHS Customer Portal Account should use their current One DHS Account credentials to log into the parent portal.
For More Information, Try the Frequently Asked Questions Below
Do I need to Apply for Summer EBT?
Although most Summer EBT recipients will not need to apply to receive benefits, Tennessee families should apply for Summer EBT if:
- Their child did not participate in SNAP, Families First, or TennCare.
- Their child did not receive approval for an NSLP application during the 2023/24 academic year.
- Their child received free or reduced-price meals at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school without submitting an NSLP application during the 2023/24 academic year.
How do I apply or check my child’s Summer EBT status in Tennessee?
Tennessee parents should check their child’s Summer EBT eligibility status, and if necessary, can apply for Summer EBT in the Summer EBT Parent Portal. Log in or create an account at https://OneDHS.TN.Gov/Parent.
The Summer EBT Parent Portal also makes it easy for Tennessee parents to
- Review a student’s contact information to ensure benefits are delivered to the correct address.
- Sign up to receive Summer EBT text message updates.
- File a reconsideration request or appeal, if necessary.
Note: Tennessee families who already have a One DHS Customer Portal Account should use their current One DHS Account credentials to log into the Parent Portal.
My child was homeschooled, do they qualify for Summer EBT?
To qualify for Summer EBT, a child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program.
What is the benefit amount for Summer EBT?
Eligible families will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child.
You can check your Summer EBT card balance online at www.connectebt.com or by calling the number on the back of your new Summer EBT card.
What can I buy with my benefits?
Summer EBT benefits are accepted anywhere SNAP benefits are accepted. You can find a list of eligible and ineligible household items here: https://www.Fns.USDA.Gov/SNAP/Eligible-Food-Items.
When will I receive my Summer EBT benefits?
These Tennesseans can expect to receive Summer EBT benefits in June 2024:
- Students who are automatically eligible for Summer EBT based on participation in SNAP, Families First, TennCare, or NSLP in the 2023/24 academic year.
- Students who complete a Summer EBT application form and receive approval by May 31, 2024.
Eligible families who register to receive Summer EBT after May 31, 2024, will be issued benefits within 15 days of application approval.
Summer EBT benefit cards will be mailed to the address on file in the Summer EBT Parent Portal.
My address is incorrect, how can I update my address?
Tennesseans can login/create an account on the Summer EBT Parent Portal to update their child’s information at https://OneDhs.TN.Gov/Parent. Help is also available via One DHS Customer Service at 833-772-TDHS (8347).
I think my child qualified for Summer EBT, but did not receive benefits. What should I do?
If you believe your child qualified for Summer EBT program, but did not receive benefits, you may submit a Reconsideration Request by July 31, 2024 or file an appeal by November 13, 2024. Requests and appeals can be filed through the Parent Portal or by calling 833-772-TDHS (8347).
How long will my benefits last?
Summer EBT benefits are meant for summer use and will expire after 122 calendar days following the card’s creation. Expired benefits cannot be reinstated. Tennessee families will be notified at least 30 days before their card’s expiration date.
I lost my child’s Summer EBT card, what should I do?
A replacement card can be ordered by calling EBT Card Customer Service at 1-888-997-9444.
If I use my benefits, will it impact my family’s immigration status?
Receiving and using Summer EBT benefits will not affect your family’s immigration status.
My child lives in Tennessee, can they receive Summer EBT from another state?
Summer EBT participants are not permitted to receive benefits from multiple states.
Can I participate in other summer feeding programs if I receive benefits?
Yes, Summer EBT is meant to supplement Tennessee’s existing summer feeding programs, Seamless Summer Feeding Option & Summer Food Service Program.
How can I opt out of the Summer EBT program?
Parents can log into the Parent Portal or call 833-772-TDHS (8347) to opt out of the Summer EBT program.
Should I keep my Summer EBT card after using benefits?
Yes, Tennessee parents should keep their child’s card in case the child qualifies for the possibility of future Summer EBT program benefits. Your card will be reloaded as long as the program continues in Tennessee, and your child qualifies. A replacement card can be ordered by calling EBT Card Customer Service at 1-888-997-9444.