What to do if your Summer EBT didn't arrive

If you haven't received your Summer EBT benefits yet, there are a few reasons why. Before contacting your state agency, make sure to check if your child is eligible and whether your state's payment window is still open.

You haven't received anything yet#you-havent-received-anything-yet

First, confirm that your child is eligible for Summer EBT. Some children qualify automatically, while others may need to apply.

Next, check your state's Summer EBT deposit schedule. Many states issue benefits over several weeks, and some continue making deposits into late summer.

If your child is eligible, your state's payment window has ended, and you still haven't received benefits, contact your state's Summer EBT hotline to ask about your child's status.

If your benefits are coming on a new card in the mail, make sure your address is up to date with both your child's school and your SNAP case—that's where states pull mailing information from.

You received benefits for some kids but not all of them#you-received-benefits-for-some-kids-but-not-all-of-them

Summer EBT eligibility is determined separately for each child, so one child in your household can receive benefits while another does not. This can happen if there's a difference in their eligibility or if there is an issue with that child's records.

What to do:

Contact your state's Summer EBT hotline to ask about the specific child whose benefits are missing. Also contact that child's school and confirm their free or reduced-price meal status is on file. In many cases, the issue can be resolved, and benefits issued later in the summer.

Your child got S-EBT last year but not this year#your-child-got-s-ebt-last-year-but-not-this-year

Eligibility is determined each year. Common reasons a child may no longer qualify include: your SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid case lapsed or closed since last year, your child aged out of the state's eligible age range, your child changed schools and the new school hasn't submitted their data yet, or your state opted out of the program this year (Utah, for example, participated in 2025 but not 2026).

What to do:

Contact your state's Summer EBT hotline to find out why your child wasn't included. If your child is still school-aged and your household meets income requirements, you may be able to submit an application—some states are still accepting them through August or September 2026.

Your card arrived, but the balance is zero#your-card-arrived-but-the-balance-is-zero

This usually means the card was mailed before the deposit was loaded. It can also mean the card needs to be activated first—benefits won't show until you do.

What to do:

Activate your card by calling the number on the back and following the prompts. Then check your balance again. If it's still zero after activation, contact your state's Summer EBT hotline.

You may still be able to apply#you-may-still-be-able-to-apply

If your child wasn't automatically enrolled but you think they should qualify, check whether your state is still accepting Summer EBT applications. Some states have application windows open through August or September 2026.

If you're still not sure if you're eligible for Summer EBT 2026, use this eligibility checker to find out.