Summer EBT Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
 
 
 
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What you need to know

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​Updated April 15, 2026


Q1: What is Summer EBT (SEBT)? 

A1: Summer EBT (SEBT) is operating its third year in Nebraska. SEBT is a program that helps households with eligible school-age children buy groceries during the summer months when children do not have access to school meals.

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Q2: Who is eligible for SEBT?

A2: School-age, income-eligible children may receive SEBT benefits. This includes:

  • Children who are participating in the following public assistance programs:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
    • Medicaid – enrolled in a qualifying income-based Medicaid program
      • Qualifying income-based Medicaid programs include households with income under 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL)
  • Children enrolled in a school participating in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program (NSLP) who are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals based on the following criteria:
    • Participation in Head Start
    • Homeless
    • Foster Children
    • Runaway Status
  • Children enrolled in a school participating in the NSLP who were approved for free or reduced-price meals through an approved school meals application or who were Directly Certified as foster, migrant, or homeless, or recipients of SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or ADC (Medicaid) in the 2025-2026 school year.

    Children enrolled in a school participating in the NSLP and were not eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2025-2026 school year, but believe they are eligible based on income during the covered summer period from May 13, 2026, through August 12, 2026, should complete the SEBT application.

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Q3: Are homeschooled or entirely virtual/online children eligible for SEBT benefits?  

A3: School-aged children who are homeschooled or attend an entirely virtual/online school and who receive public assistance benefits listed above are eligible for SEBT benefits and should not complete an SEBT application. If homeschooled children are not receiving public assistance, they do not qualify for the SEBT benefits.     

Students not receiving public assistance mentioned above and who are enrolled in a school offering entirely virtual/online academic programs are not eligible for SEBT. 

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Q4: What is the SEBT benefit amount?

A4: The benefit amount is $40.00 per month per eligible child, for a total of $120.00 per eligible child. This one-time payment of $120 will be issued for each eligible child for the summer period of May 13, 2026, through August 12, 2026.  

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Q5: When will SEBT benefits be available?

A5: SEBT benefits will be available starting in April 2026 for the summer period of May 13, 2026, through August 12, 2026. See the chart below for issuance dates. 

Households will receive SEBT funds on one card issuance for the full benefit amount of $120. Issuance dates will be determined based on eligibility information obtained from the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE). Eligible families will receive a letter of approval. 

Date SEBT Cards MailedWho's included in issuance:
April 23, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school.
May 7, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
May 14, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
May 21, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
May 28, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
June 4, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
June 11, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
June 18, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
June 25, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
July 2, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
July 9, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
July 16, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
July 23, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
July 30, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
August 6, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
August 13, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
August 20, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
August 27, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.
September 10, 2026Students participating in SNAP, ADC/TANF, FDPIR, or an income-based Medicaid program, or reported eligible from their school, and approved Summer EBT Applications.

*Issuance dates are subject to change. This document will be updated if changes occur. 

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Q6: How do I activate the SEBT card? 

A6: To activate the SEBT card, please complete the following steps:

  1. Call the number on the back of the card (877-247-6328).
  2. When asked for the primary cardholder's date of birth, enter the 8-digit date of birth for the oldest child in the household. For example, if the child's date of birth is January 1, 1980, enter “01-01-1980." If this date does not work, try other 8-digit dates of birth for children in your home.
  3. The automated prompt will ask for the primary cardholder's zip code. Enter the zip code of the address where the card was mailed.
  4. The prompt will ask you to select a PIN.
  5. Once the PIN is set, the card will be activated and ready to use. ​

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Q7: How will families receive SEBT benefits?

A7: A SEBT card will be mailed to eligible families. Important: Families must have their address registered with the post office to receive the SEBT card.

Summer EBT Card

​The SEBT card will arrive in a white window envelope with a return address for Sioux Falls, SD. The envelope will not be marked with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) information, so please do not mistake it as “junk mail." ​

Envelope example.

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Q8: Is there an application process for SEBT benefits?

A8: Yes, but not for everyone. You will need to apply for SEBT only if:

  • Your child(ren) went to a school with the NSLP during the 2025-26 school year, and your child(ren) did not qualify for free or reduced-price meals, but you think you are eligible based on the program's income guidelines.
    • Children attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, where all students receive meals but do not receive public assistance benefits, are not automatically eligible for SEBT. Those who believe they qualify must complete the SEBT application.
  • You did not apply for free or reduced-price meals at the school during the 2025-26 school year, but you think you are eligible based on the program's income guidelines.
  • Your 2025-26 school year application for free or reduced-price meals was denied for being over income, but your household's income has decreased, and you think you are now eligible.
  • You are not homeschooling your child(ren).

Students approved for free or reduced-price meals during the 2025-26 school year are eligible for 2026 SEBT benefits and do not need to complete an application.

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Q9: Where do I apply for SEBT? 

A9: Applications will be available online and through each school district until August 12, 2026. Complete a SEBT application at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx.  

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Q10: Will SEBT benefits affect a family's ability to receive other benefits?

A10: No, it will not. SEBT benefits provide additional benefits to purchase food for families eligible for free and reduced-price school meals through the NSLP during the summer months. SEBT benefits will not count as income or resources for other public assistance programs.

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Q11: How long do families have to use SEBT benefits?

A11: Families can use SEBT benefits for 122 days or four months. The 122-day count begins the day after the benefits are issued. If SEBT benefits are not used within 122 days, they will be returned to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as required and not reissued. Once SEBT benefits have expired, DHHS cannot reissue or reinstate the benefits. We strongly encourage families to use their benefits within their time window. The chart below shows the expiration date and the last date for the SEBT benefits to be used based on the issuance date. ​

Issuance DateReplacement card cutoff dateLast day to use benefitsExpiration date
4/23/2026
8/9/20268/23/20268/24/2026
5/7/20268/23/20269/5/20269/6/2026
5/14/20268/30/20269/12/20269/13/2026
5/21/20269/6/20269/19/20269/20/2026
5/28/20269/13/20269/26/20269/27/2026
6/4/20269/20/202610/3/202610/4/2026
6/11/20269/27/202610/10/202610/11/2026
6/18/202610/4/202610/17/202610/18/2026
6/25/202610/11/202610/24/202610/25/2026
7/2/202610/18/202610/31/202611/1/2026
7/9/202610/25/202611/7/202611/8/2026
7/16/202611/1/202611/14/202611/15/2026
7/23/202611/8/202611/21/202611/22/2026
7/30/202611/15/202611/28/202611/29/2026
8/6/202611/22/202612/5/202612/6/2026
8/13/202611/29/202612/12/202612/13/2026
8/20/202612/6/202612/19/202612/20/2026
8/27/202612/13/202612/26/202612/27/2026
9/10/202612/27/20261/9/2027
1/10/2027
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Q12: How can a replacement SEBT card be requested?

​A12: Families can request a replacement card until 2 weeks prior to their expiration date. Please see the chart above in Q11. The following options are available for requesting a replacement card.

  • Via EBT Edge (if your address hasn't changed) by calling 877-247-6328.
    • You will need to report the card lost/stolen/damaged.
    • When it asks for a date of birth, please use the child's date of birth that activated the card.
    • For the social security number, please enter 0000.
    • You will get transferred to a customer service representative. When speaking to the customer service representative, you can provide your account number if you know it. 
  • Complete the SEBT replacement card request via this link: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/SEBT-Card-Replacement.aspx
  • Contact DHHS

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Q13: Are SEBT benefits based solely on free and reduced-price meals through the schools, or will there be additional income guidelines?

A13: Families who receive or qualify for free and reduced-price meals through the school are eligible. Other families must apply and be determined income-eligible. See questions two and eight. 

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Q14: If the family did not receive SEBT benefits and they feel their child(ren) were eligible, who can they contact?

A14: Families with questions about eligibility can contact DHHS at 800-383-4278. Please remember that it can take up to 10 business days to receive the SEBT cards after they are mailed.

If a family has specific questions about their eligibility, they can submit them in writing to NDE.SEBT@nebraska.gov or DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov.

Please include the parents' first and last names, mailing address, phone number, email address, children's first and last names and birthdates, school building, and school district they attended in the 2025-2026 school year, and a summary of the issue. 

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Q15: What can families buy with SEBT benefits?

A15: SEBT benefits can buy food at grocery stores, online food retailers, and farmers' markets that accept SNAP EBT. Retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Hy-Vee accept SNAP EBT. Families can use their SEBT card like a debit card after it is activated and a PIN is set. To use the SEBT card:

  1. Select “EBT."
  2. Swipe the card.
  3. Enter your private PIN.

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Q16: Can SEBT cards be sold for cash?

A16: SEBT benefits cannot be sold or traded. Selling SEBT benefits could make households ineligible to receive benefits in the future through permanent disqualification or civil money penalties. 


Q17: If I have multiple children, will their benefits be on the same card, or will they get separate cards?

A17: We expect all children to receive benefits on one card issued to their head of household. If your children are in foster care, they will receive a card in their name. 

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Q18: I received a card for a child no longer under my care. What should I do?

A18: Please return the SEBT card to DHHS at the address listed in the letter that came with the card.

Nebraska DHHS
PO Box 95026 
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026. 

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Q19: How will I know if my child was approved for SEBT benefits?

A19: An eligibility letter will be sent to each eligible household before the issuance date, advising them of their eligibility for benefits and that a SEBT card will arrive. 

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Q20: Where will my SEBT card be mailed?

A20: SEBT cards will be mailed to the address on file with DHHS, with your child’s school, or the address listed on your SEBT application. Families should ensure that DHHS and their school district have the correct address on file. 

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Q21: How can I update my address? 

A21: Families can update their address in a few different ways. 

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Q22: My child receives free meals because they attend a school that participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). What does this mean?

A22: Students who attend a CEP school are not automatically eligible for SEBT. If your household meets the qualifications listed in Q2, you will automatically qualify for SEBT because of participation in another income-based benefit program, and no further action is needed. If your household does not meet the qualifications listed in Q2 and you believe your child qualifies based on your household income and size, you should complete the online SEBT application.

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Q23: Will preschool, kindergarten, and graduating students be included in SEBT?

A23: Graduating seniors of any age who are approved for free or reduced-priced meals and/or who meet the eligibility criteria in Q2 will receive SEBT benefits. 

Preschool and kindergarten students under the age of 6 will be included only if they are approved for free or reduced-price meals, their school participates in the NSLP, and they are offered school breakfast and/or school lunch as part of their school day. Preschool children enrolled at a childcare center are not eligible for SEBT.

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Q24: How will benefits be issued for children who live in more than one household? 

A24: Card issuance requirements will allow only one address per child. 

  • If the child is eligible based on SNAP, ADC, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid mentioned above, the benefits are issued to the parent who is receiving public assistance for the child, 
  • The parent who completed the online SEBT application on behalf of the child, or
  • The primary guardian/parent listed with your school district. ​

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Q25: I am worried about receiving Summer EBT because of my immigration status. Will getting this benefits count in a public charge test?

A25: No. It is important to know that Summer EBT will not count on a public charge test. All students are eligible regardless of immigration status.

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Q26: What does Medicaid with qualifying income mean?

A26: Medicaid with qualifying incomes means that the child receives a category of Medicaid based on the entire household's income. There are some Medicaid categories that are not income based, and those categories would not automatically qualify a student for SEBT. ​​

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Q27: What should I do if we receive SEBT benefits for one child but not another?

A27: Distribution dates for SEBT will vary, so siblings might receive benefits at different times.

In addition, children who are not attending a school participating in the NSLP, such as a child who is homeschooled or a child who attends a non-public school not participating in the NSLP, must be between 6 and 18 at any point during the program year and belong to a household receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid with qualifying income for NSLP to be eligible. This means some children younger than 6 or older than 18 may not be eligible, even if another child in the same household is eligible.

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Q28: What should I do if I do not have a home or mailing address?

A28: Families who do not have a registered address should contact the DHHS SEBT department via email (DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov), and we will work with the family to ensure they can receive their benefits. 

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Q29: Can I get replacement SEBT funds for food that was purchased and lost due to a natural disaster?

A29: If you encounter food loss due to a natural disaster (power outage, storm damage, etc.), you can submit a replacement SEBT benefits request form. The form and more information can be found at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Replacement-Benefits-SNAP-and-SEBT.aspx. 

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Q30: What should I do if I suspect my benefits were used fraudulently or stolen?

A30: Federal regulations do not allow for the replacement of stolen SEBT benefits. If you suspect your PIN was stolen, you can call 877-247-6328 or download the ConnectEBT app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to review your transactions and/or change your PIN to protect any remaining benefits. ​
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Q31: Does the Healthy Choice Waiver apply to my SEBT benefits?

A31:Yes, effective January 1, 2026, soft drinks or soda and energy drinks will no longer be an allowable purchase using SEBT benefits. See https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Healthy-Choices-Waiver.aspx for additional information.  ​

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