Summer EBT
Summer EBT – Food Benefits for Children
Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) is a new program that helps families buy food for their children during the summer. Families will get $120 in benefits for each eligible child to use to buy food anywhere that FoodShare benefits are accepted. Most eligible families will get these benefits in June 2024.
Children who get Summer EBT can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving Summer EBT will not affect children or families’ immigration status.
Who can get Summer EBT?
Summer EBT is available to families who already participate in the free or reduced school lunch program during the regular school year. These programs are based on income.
Families with eligible children who have an existing QUEST, or Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) cards will see the funds automatically added to their cards. Families with eligible children who do not already have a QUEST or P-EBT card will receive a new pre-loaded QUEST card in the mail. Benefits will begin being distributed in late June.
All households with children who are eligible for Summer EBT will get a letter in the mail explaining the program and the benefits you are receiving.
Summer EBT Benefit Management Tool
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) created the Summer EBT Benefit Management Tool for parents or caretakers of eligible children to easily submit a request to update contact information or opt their student(s) out from receiving Summer EBT benefits.
Using benefits
Benefits are added to an existing QUEST or P-EBT card. If families do not have a QUEST or P-EBT card, benefits are added on to a new QUEST card and mailed to their address on file.
Benefits can be used wherever FoodShare benefits are accepted. This includes most grocery stores, many convenience stores, some farmers’ markets, and certain online retailers. You can use the benefits to buy certain food items, including:
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- Bread and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Snack foods
See a detailed list of items you can and cannot buy with your benefits.
Families have 122 days from the date that Summer EBT benefits are added onto their EBT card to spend them. Any remaining Summer EBT benefits still on the card after 122 days will be removed.
To check the balance on your card, go to the ebtEDGE website or use the ebtEDGE mobile app. If you lose your card, call QUEST Card Service at 877-415-5164.
Please remember that you cannot give your card to someone else. It is illegal to sell, trade, or give your Summer EBT benefits to another person.