Understanding the Meaning of P EBT

P EBT stands for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer. This program was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide assistance to families with school-aged children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if schools were not closed.

How Does P EBT Work?

The P EBT program works by providing eligible families with funds on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. This card can be used to purchase food at authorized retail stores, online retailers, and farmers markets. The amount of benefits provided is based on the number of days the child would have received meals at school if not for the closure.

Who is Eligible for P EBT?

  • Children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program
  • Children attending schools that are closed for at least 5 consecutive days due to COVID-19
  • Children in schools that have moved to virtual learning due to the pandemic

How to Apply for P EBT

  1. Contact your child’s school or school district for information on how to apply
  2. Submit any required documentation to verify eligibility
  3. Receive the P EBT card in the mail once approved

Benefits of P EBT

Some of the benefits of the P EBT program include:

  • Helping families who may be facing food insecurity due to the pandemic
  • Allowing children to continue to have access to nutritious meals even while schools are closed
  • Providing additional resources to families to help them make ends meet

Expiration of P EBT Benefits

The P EBT benefits have an expiration date, typically 365 days from the date they were issued. It is important for families to use the benefits before they expire to ensure they receive the full assistance available to them.

In conclusion, P EBT stands for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a program designed to provide food assistance to families with school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding how P EBT works, who is eligible, how to apply, and the benefits it provides, families can take advantage of this valuable resource to ensure their children have access to nutritious meals during these challenging times.