Answer
Yes, Florida has been approved to provide Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits to eligible families again. This program provides assistance to families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if not for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify for P-EBT benefits in Florida, families must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Have a child who would have received free or reduced-price meals at school
- Be enrolled in a school district that participates in the National School Lunch Program
- Have experienced a change in their child’s school attendance due to the pandemic
Amount of Benefits
The amount of P-EBT benefits a family receives in Florida is based on the number of days the child participated in virtual or hybrid learning during the school year. The benefit amount is calculated at $6.82 per day for each eligible child.
Application Process
Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits in Florida. Eligible children are identified through their school’s participation in the National School Lunch Program. Benefits are automatically loaded onto existing EBT cards or new cards are mailed to eligible families.
Timeline
In Florida, P-EBT benefits are retroactive to the 2020-2021 school year. Families can expect to receive benefits for the entire school year, regardless of when their child’s school transitioned to virtual or hybrid learning.
Support Services
In addition to P-EBT benefits, families in Florida may also be eligible for other support services such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits. These programs provide additional assistance to families in need.
Closing
Overall, Florida is once again providing P-EBT benefits to eligible families to help alleviate the financial burden of feeding their children during the pandemic. This program aims to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals even when they are not physically attending school. Families in need of support should contact their child’s school or the state Department of Children and Families for more information on how to access these benefits.