FAQs

• Is there a deadline to apply for S-EBT?
  Answer:

  The S-EBT application (English), Aplicación para S-EBT (español) will remain open until Sunday, August 31, 2025. 

• What do I do if I did not get my S-EBT benefits, but I think my child is eligible?
  Answer:

  If you think your child is eligible and should have received an S-EBT card, please call Summer EBT Customer Service at 1-844-503-6871, Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST.

• Why was one of my students approved for S-EBT but not my other student?
  Answer:

  Eligibility for S-EBT is determined for each student individually, not the household. This means it is possible to have both eligible and ineligible students in your household.

• What if my child was homeschooled or went to school online, will they be eligible to get S-EBT benefits?
  Answer:

  Children that are not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) may still qualify if they received other benefits through DSS like SNAP, TFA, or HUSKY A.

• When will my children get S-EBT benefits?
  Answer:

  Children who are eligible will receive an approval letter. If your family has never had an EBT card, one will be mailed to you.

• How are S-EBT benefits issued?
  Answer:

  S-EBT will be issued to your SNAP EBT card or onto a new EBT card that will be mailed to you. The new card may be issued in your child’s name or the parent/guardian’s name.

• I received an S-EBT card in error. What should I do?
  Answer:

  If you think you received an S-EBT card in error, please call Summer EBT Customer Service at 1-844-503-6871, Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST.

  Please do not active the card or use the benefits.

• I got an S-EBT card in the mail, what do I do next?
  Answer:

  Activate the S-EBT card and you can begin using it.

• How do I change my PIN?
  Answer:

  To change your PIN, call EBT Card Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666.

• I lost my EBT card. How can I get a new one?
  Answer:

  Call EBT customer service at 1-888-328-2666 or the DSS Benefit Center line at 1-855-626-6632 to request a replacement card.

• How much will I get for S-EBT?
  Answer:

  Each eligible student will receive a one-time payment of $120.00.

• Do these benefits go away?
  Answer:

  S-EBT benefits are available for about four (4) months, or 122 days from the date the benefits were first loaded onto your EBT card. Federal rules do not allow benefits to be replaced after they have been removed.

• Where can I use my S-EBT benefits? What can I buy with them?
  Answer:

  You can use your S-EBT benefits at any store that accepts SNAP, including online from many retailers. Most retailers have signs saying they accept SNAP or EBT. You can also use S-EBT benefits at many farmers’ markets; some markets will even double your benefits.

  S-EBT benefits can be used to buy any food that can be bought with SNAP. Most food is SNAP-eligible. You can also use S-EBT benefits to buy seeds or plants to grow your own food.

  Like SNAP, you cannot use S-EBT to buy prepared foods, or any food that is sold hot. You also cannot use S-EBT benefits to buy any household products, pet foods, alcohol, or tobacco.

  For more information, visit What Can SNAP Buy?

• Will S-EBT be available every year?
  Answer:

  S-EBT is a permanent, nationwide, voluntary program that began the summer of 2024. States will decide each year if they want to participate. Each summer, we will provide information on if CT is participating and how you will get your S-EBT benefits.

• How do I apply for other food programs?
  Answer:

  You can apply for SNAP at https://connect.ct.gov

  You can also check out the Additional Resources page for more information about food programs.

• Do you have to be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to receive S-EBT?
  Answer:

  No, receiving S-EBT does not affect your student or your family’s immigration status and does not count against public charge determination.

• Will receiving S-EBT affect my ability to receive other government benefits?
  Answer: No, receiving S-EBT will not affect your ability to receive other government benefits.
• What should I do if my address has changed?
  Answer:

  Update your address with the program that was used to determine your child’s eligibility for S-EBT:

  1. If your child is enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or TFA, update your change of address with DSS.
  2. If your child is enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals, contact your school to update your address.
• What should I do if I don't have a home address?
  Answer: The S-EBT card will be issued to the student’s school. Families can work with their student’s school for card delivery and/or pick up.
• Can S-EBT benefits be replaced?
  Answer:

  Lost or stolen benefits will not be replaced.  If S-EBT benefits are taken from a lost or stolen card, we can replace the card, but not the benefits. If any S-EBT benefits are left on your old card, it will automatically transfer to your new card.

  We cannot replace S-EBT benefits that are stolen electronically, due to card cloning or skimming.

  If your household experiences a misfortune or a disaster, such as a fire or flood, the benefits may be replaceable. To report a household misfortune, contact the DSS Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632 or go to a local DSS Resource Center.

  To report a card as lost or stolen, you should immediately call 1-888-328-2666.

• Is S-EBT different than P-EBT?
  Answer:

  Yes, the two programs are different.

  During the COVID-19 public health emergency, special temporary rules allowed for an emergency benefit program to be established to support Connecticut children.

  Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is over and new benefits will not be issued through that program.

  The major difference between these programs is eligibility. If your child attended a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school during the pandemic, your student automatically received P-EBT.

  For S-EBT benefits, children qualify based on their household’s income status. This program is designed to reach low-income households with school-aged children.