Summer EBT Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer?

Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) is intended to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children who lose access to free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) during the summer when school is not in session.

If I have questions about Summer EBT, who can I call?

To ask general questions about Summer EBT, call the Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-316-2421. To get a replacement Summer EBT card, call 1-800-997-9999, Press 1, and then follow the prompts found in the “How Do I Replace My Summer EBT Card?” question below.

How Much Will My Summer EBT Benefits Be?

Each eligible child in your family will receive a one-time benefit of $120.

Is My Child Eligible for Summer EBT?

Your child is eligible if:

Your household participates in SNAP or TEA, or your child attends a school that offers USDA National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced – price school meals.

I received a notice stating my child has been determined “direct eligible.”  Then I received a notice saying my application was denied.  Will my child receive SEBT benefits?

As your child was determined to be direct eligible, any applications filed by you will be denied.  Your child will receive SEBT benefits based on Direct Eligibility.

Are children who attended Head Start eligible?

If you have a child that attended a Head Start/Early Head Start school at any point during the 2024-2025 school year, that child is eligible, but you need to apply.  Click the link for the approved list of Head Start/Early Head Start Schools: Head Start Schools.

How Do I Apply for Summer EBT?

Your child may automatically qualify for Summer EBT without the need to apply. Visit our website at ar.gov/summerebt to find an interactive eligibility flowchart. Answer each question to help determine your status.

If the flowchart shows that you need to apply for Summer EBT, you may apply online at access.arkansas.gov or either print a copy and complete by hand. To apply at access.arkansas.gov, click the “Apply for New Benefits” tab and then log in with an existing Access Arkansas account, or create a new one. If you download an application, email the completed application to [email protected] or drop it off at your local DHS county office. Paper copies are also available at your local DHS county office.

When Is The Deadline to Apply For Summer EBT?

The deadline for applications to be turned in is August 25, 2025.

How Will I Receive Summer EBT Benefits?

Each eligible child in your family will receive $120 on his or her own Summer EBT card. For example, if you have three eligible children in your home, you will receive three separate cards in three separate envelopes.

If my child/ren already have a Summer EBT card from last summer will I be able to use it or do I have to wait for a new one?

If your child/ren already have an Summer EBT card, benefits will be reloaded on that same card if eligible.

My child attends a school where everyone receives free lunches.  Are they eligible?  

If your child attends a school where everyone receives free lunches, you must fill out an application for DHS to determine your eligibility based on income and household size.  They will not automatically be eligible. You can use the tool at ar.gov/summerebt to help determine if your child is automatically eligible or needs to apply for this benefit.

How Do I Activate My Summer EBT Card?

To activate your card, call the phone number on the back of the card (1-800-997-9999) and enter the SEBT card number on the front of the Summer EBT card. Select Summer EBT option 1 in the PIN menu, and when asked to enter your child’s Social Security Number (SSN), enter 0000. Next, enter the date of birth as MM/DD/YY for the child named on the front of the card. Finally, you will need to set a new 4-digit PIN (personal identification number). After these steps are completed, your card is ready to use.

How Do I Use My Summer EBT card?

Once your card is activated, it is like a debit card. To make a purchase, simply swipe and enter your 4-digit PIN.

What Items Can I Buy with My Summer EBT card?

You can use Summer EBT benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept SNAP benefits.

When Will I Get My Summer EBT Card?

The earliest that cards will be mailed out is 05/09/2025. Cards will continue to be mailed throughout the summer as applications are received and processed. Remember if you already have a Summer EBT Card from last Summer, benefits will be reloaded on that card. The latest benefits will be issued is September 30, 2025.

How Long Do I Have To Use My Summer EBT Card?

You will have 122 days to use your Summer EBT card after the benefits become available. You will also receive a notice prior to expiration with the date the expiration is scheduled and the amount to be expired.

How Do I Replace My Summer EBT Card?

Call 1-800-997-9999

• Press 1
• Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish
• You will be asked for your card number. If you don’t know it, do not enter anything. You will be prompted with additional options after a brief pause.
• When the additional options are offered, press 4 to report a lost or stolen card.
• You will be asked for a Social Security number. Enter 111-11-0000 for the Social Security number.
• You will be asked for a date of birth – enter the eligible child’s date of birth in this format: MMDDYYYY (For example, enter 01012015 for Jan. 1, 2015).
• You will be asked for a PIN.
• If you know your PIN, enter it and follow the prompts to confirm the street number of your address, deactivate your old card, and confirm a replacement.
• If you don’t know your PIN, do not enter anything.
• You will then be connected to a representative who will assist with issuing a new card.

How Do I Check The Balance On My SEBT Card?

To check your balance, call the number on the back of the card (1-800-997-9999). Any unspent benefits will automatically expire 122 days from the date they became available on the Summer EBT card.

Can Someone I Trust Help Me Ask Questions?

Yes, but you must verify the account and give permission for the third party to speak to us. Third parties include, but are not limited to, family, spouses, children, caretakers, friends, coworkers, etc.

How Do I Appeal A Decision About Summer EBT Benefits?

If you want to file an appeal you can mail a DHS-1200 or your Denial Notice to Arkansas Department of Human Services Appeals and Hearings Section Slot S101, P.O. Box 1437, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437 or email it to [email protected]. You must file an appeal within 90 days from the end of the summer operational period, November 23,2025. If you receive a notice with less than 30 days to file an appeal from November 23, 2025, you will have 30 days from the date you received your notice to file an appeal.

I Don’t Want Summer EBT Benefits. Can I Decline?

Yes, if you do not want your benefits and have already received your card, you can cut the card up and the benefits will automatically expire after 122 days. If you have received your letter saying you are direct eligible, but you have not received your card, you can complete the OPT OUT section of your notice and send it to DHS.

If one of my children is eligible for Summer EBT, are ALL of my children eligible?

Not necessarily. Each individual child in the household needs to meet the eligibility criteria in order to receive Summer EBT benefits. For example, you may have a child who attends an elementary school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and another child who attends a pre-school that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program. In that situation, the child in the elementary school would be eligible, but the child in pre-school would not. You would need to visit our website at ar.gov/summerebt and go through the interactive eligibility flowchart to find out if that child is eligible.

My child received their SEBT card, now what?

You may call 800-997-9999 and activate your card using the number on the front of the card and your child’s DOB.  Please keep your card safe.   Benefits will be loaded onto the card 05/09/2025 and will be available for use on that date.

The SEBT card has a $0 balance.  Why?

  Benefits will be loaded and available on 05/09/2025.