P-EBT Information:www.compass.state.pa.us.
Important Information About Continuing Extra Benefits in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Emergency
Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, children who are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals at school will receive extra food benefits to cover the period of the summer of 2023. These food benefits are called Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer or P-EBT benefits. P-EBT benefits help families in Pennsylvania buy food during the summer.
Who is eligible to receive P-EBT benefits?
A child will get Summer P-EBT benefits if:
1. The school participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); AND
2. The child was eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the NSLP during the 2022-2023 school year or became eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the NSLP between June 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023; AND,
3. The child was enrolled at the school during the previous school year (at least during May 2023)
The following online P-EBT Inquiry Form is available if the parent/guardian believes they should have already received P-EBT benefits at https://www.emergencymealsurvey.com/PA.
Are children in homeschool or cyber charter school eligible for P-EBT?
- No. Federal law does not provide P-EBT for children that are home schooled, attend a cyber charter school, or are enrolled in a school that does not participate in the NSLP. This also includes school districts’ virtual academies that were in place prior to the pandemic as these academies are not considered to be participating in the NSLP. See Section 1101 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
When will Summer P-EBT benefits be issued?
Benefits will be issued to regular EBT cards and previously issued P-EBT cards if the Department of Human Services (DHS) is able to match your child to a previous issuance for either the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school year. If we are not able to match your child to a previous issuance, a new P-EBT card will be mailed. The new P-EBT card will be mailed by August 11, 2023, and should be received by the end of September 2023 at the latest.
How much is the Summer P-EBT benefit?
The benefit amount for Summer P-EBT has been set by federal law at $120 per child. This is to cover the months of June, July, and August 2023.
How are Summer P-EBT benefits issued?
- On your household EBT Card - If your student is currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, the Summer P-EBT benefit will be added to your card, if possible.
- On a white P-EBT card for each child – If we can’t add the Summer P-EBT benefit to a card you already have, then we will try to issue to your child’s previous P-EBT card for the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school year, if possible. If we cannot match your child successfully to a previous issuance, we will send you a new white P-EBT card that says “Pennsylvania” on the front. If you have multiple children in your household, you will receive multiple white P-EBT cards, one for each eligible child. Each card will be in the name of the respective child. The card will be in a plain white envelope addressed to the child with a return address in Texas.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about P-EBT, please visit: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/P-EBT-Guide.aspx
How do I set up a card when I receive it?
To start using the P-EBT card: Call the phone number on the back of the card. You will need the P-EBT card number on the front of the card, your zip code, and the date of birth of the child listed on the card.
IMPORTANT! USE YOUR ZIP CODE FOR YOUR SSN: When asked for the last four digits of your Social Security Number, you will need to enter the last four numbers of your five-digit zip code. When asked for your date of birth, you will need to enter the child’s date of birth. You will need to set a four-digit PIN.
Once activated: The card can be used to buy eligible food items anywhere SNAP/EBT cards are accepted. Although the card is in the name of your child, your child does not need to be present when using the card.
Are there rules about what I cannot do with the card? What if I don’t want the benefit?
P-EBT cards cannot be transferred, given away, traded, or sold. Doing so is considered fraud and you can be prosecuted. If you do not wish to be a part of this program, simply shred and throw away the P-EBT card.
How long do I have to use my card?
After nine months of inactivity, we will remove the Summer P-EBT benefits from your account. Removed benefits cannot be replaced.
Where do I get my balance information?
To find out your P-EBT or Access card balance 24/7, call 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). Will this affect my other benefits? No. Summer P-EBT will not have any effect on your regular SNAP and TANF benefits. You will continue to receive your monthly SNAP or TANF benefit on your regular payment day. You may review your benefits online at https://www.compass.state.pa.us.
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