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Summer EBT Information
More Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT)?
The SEBT program is a U.S. federal assistance program designed to address the issue of food insecurity among students during the summer months when they do not have access to school meals. The program aims to provide additional nutritional support to eligible students who have received SNAP, KTAP, and/or Kinship Care for at least one (1) month since July 1st, 2023, and students who are deemed income eligible through an approved SEBT application. During the academic year, the National School Lunch Program provides nutritious meals to students. The SEBT program seeks to bridge this gap by providing benefits that can be used to purchase food, helping ensure that students have access to sufficient and healthy meals during the summer break.
Is SEBT a public assistance program?
Yes, SEBT is a public assistance program. It is a Federal child nutrition program, authorized by Congress, designed to help eligible students meet their nutritional needs during summer months when schools are not in session. The program provides benefits that may be redeemed for approved food items at any location that accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).
How do I know if my student’s school qualifies for SEBT?
Most public schools in KY operate under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). If your student’s school is not listed on the SEBT application, it is not an NSLP school and you will not be able to apply.
Who is eligible for SEBT?
The following students are considered automatically eligible for SEBT benefits:
Students aged 6-17 as of August 1st, 2023 who have received SNAP, KTAP, and/or Kinship Care for at least one (1) month since July 1st, 2023 are eligible and will automatically receive benefits. You do not need to submit an application.
Students that do not fall into the above category, and are within the income eligibility limits, can apply for SEBT benefits online.
Online SEBT benefit applications can be completed by using self service capabilities located at Kysebt or can be accessed through Kynect.
These are the income guidelines that will be used to determine SEBT eligibility:
2023-24 School Year
Effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Household
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Each Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Income Limit | $2,248 | $3,041 | $3,833 | $4,625 | $5,418 | $6,210 | $7,003 | $7,795 | + $793 |
2024-25 School Year
Effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Household
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Each Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Income Limit | $2,322 | $3,152 | $3,981 | $4,810 | $5,640 | $6,469 | $7,299 | $8,128 | + $830 |
How is the SEBT different than P-EBT I received in the past?
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) was a program authorized in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to compensate for meals that students would have received at school or childcare. P-EBT ended with the Public Health Emergency (PHE) in summer 2023.
SEBT is a new permanent federal program that automatically enrolls students who have received SNAP, KTAP, and/or Kinship Care for at least one (1) month since July 1st, 2023. These students do not need to apply. Financially eligible students, who have not received one of the above benefits, should apply here. SEBT aims to provide eligible students with increased access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session.
How do I apply for SEBT?
You can apply online at Kysebt or can access the application through kynect at Kynect .
When does the application window for Summer 2024 end?
For an application to be considered for Summer 2024 SEBT benefits it must be submitted on or before August 15th, 2024. If an application submitted on or before August 15th, 2024 is approved benefits are issued within seven (7) business days of approval. Applications submitted on or after August 16th, 2024 are considered for Summer 2025 SEBT benefits. If an application submitted on or after August 16th, 2024 is approved benefits will not be received until Summer 2025.
What do I need to apply for SEBT?
You will need verification of the households monthly income, the State Student Identification (SSID) of each student applying, and Social Security Number (Optional, but if you do not provide a SSN it may delay your eligibility determination).
What income is countable for a SEBT application?
If you or someone in your household receive income from: | You should have a copy of: |
|---|---|
Wages, Salaries and Tips | Most recent 2 pay stub(s) AND Tip Log (if applicable) |
Pensions, Social Security (SSA, SSDI, RSDI), Disability Payments, Workers Compensation, Unemployment Benefits, VA Benefits | Award letter(s) OR Most recent check stubs OR Most recent bank statement (to show direct deposit) |
Child and/or Spousal Support, Foster Care Payments | Court documents OR Personal records OR Most recent bank statement (to show direct deposit) |
Farm Income | First page of IRS Form 1040 OR IRS 1040 AND Schedule 1 |
Rental and/or Royalty Income | First page of IRS Form 1040 AND Schedule 1 OR Rental Agreement OR Trust Statement |
Profit from Self-Employment, Commissions | IRS 1040 + Schedule 1 AND all Schedule C(s) OR Most recent 3-month profit and loss statement |
Cash Income (when you have not filed federal or state taxes) | Personal records OR Signed letter detailing type of work, estimated monthly amount of cash payment and employer name and phone number (if applicable) |
Can I opt-out of SEBT?
Students who are automatically eligible to receive SEBT can opt-out by calling 855-306-8959.
How much will my child receive in SEBT if they are eligible?
You can expect to receive a one-time lump sum issuance of $120 ($40 per summer month) per eligible child, if approved, for the summer period.
How will my student receive the SEBT issuance?
Your student’s SEBT benefits will be added to your household’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card if you have received SNAP, KTAP, or Kinship Care on an EBT card in the past. If your household does not already have an EBT card, you will receive a new card by mail if you are approved for SEBT.
What months does the 2024 SEBT period cover?
Summer months including June, July, and August.
When will my student receive their SEBT issuance, if eligible?
Students who have received SNAP, KTAP, and/or Kinship Care for at least one (1) month since July 1st, 2023 are automatically eligible and can expect to receive their SEBT issuance by June 24th, 2024. If your student is not considered automatically eligible, you need to submit an SEBT application. Students that are found eligible through an approved SEBT application can expect to receive their benefits within seven (7) business days of application approval.
Where can I get help with SEBT?
Visit Kentucky Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Website for more information or contact DCBS at 855-306-8959. You can also visit your local DCBS office.
What if I need to replace a lost EBT card?
Request a replacement card by contacting EBT Customer Service at 888-979-9949, if your address has not changed since you received your card.
Contact the DCBS call center at 855-306-8959, if your address has changed since you received your card.
Are homeschool students eligible for SEBT?
Yes, homeschool students can receive SEBT if they have received SNAP, KTAP, and/or Kinship Care for at least one (1) month since July 1st, 2023.
Can SEBT issuances be split between households?
No, issuances cannot be split between households. The income from the household the student resides in, at the time of the application, must be reported.
How long do I have to spend my SEBT issuance?
A student’s SEBT benefits remain available as long as you use them at least once every 122 days, no matter the amount spent. If you do not use any SEBT benefits in a 122-day period, they will no longer be available.
If I receive SEBT, will it affect my eligibility for other public assistance programs?
No, receiving SEBT will not affect a Household’s eligibility for other public assistance programs.
Am I eligible to receive SEBT benefits from more than one state?
No, students are only eligible in one state.
What information is needed to activate my EBT card?
To activate a new card, call EBT Customer Service 888-979-9949. You need to have the card number, the last four (4) digits of card holder’s social security number, their date of birth, and zip code.
What does the SEBT card look like?
Is SEBT the same as SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps)?
No, SEBT and SNAP are separate programs with different eligibility requirements. However, SEBT benefits follow the same SNAP purchasing rules.
What can I buy with an SEBT issuance?
SEBT can be used to purchase almost any food item, except ready-to-eat hot foods.
The following items cannot be purchased with SEBT: tobacco, alcoholic beverages, pet foods, soap or other household products, medicines, gasoline, etc.
Do not use your SEBT to pay on any kind of credit account even if it is for SEBT eligible food. Do not sell food purchased with SEBT or use SEBT to buy food for another household.
Where can I purchase food items with SEBT?
SEBT benefits can be used at any location where EBT is accepted.
Can I purchase food items online with SEBT?
Yes, purchases can be made on approved food items anywhere that accepts EBT.
What Are My Rights?
As a person receiving SEBT, you have certain rights. You have the right to:
Begin the process of applying for SEBT the same day you contact a DCBS office;
Receive SEBT or be notified that you do not qualify for the program;
Have a fair hearing if you disagree with an action taken on your application. At a fair hearing you will be able to discuss your disagreement with an impartial hearing officer to receive a final ruling.
Will receiving SEBT affect immigration status?
SEBT does not affect you or your student’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to SEBT benefits. Also, the SEBT program does not ask for immigration status and does not use immigration status to determine eligibility.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form , from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:
mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or
fax:
(833)256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.