As the pandemic continues to create financial strains, families are struggling to meet their basic needs. To ensure children have access to nutritious food, the government of the United States has introduced the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about P-EBT information, including its eligibility, benefits, and more.
What is P-EBT?
P-EBT is a government-funded program that provides an electronic benefit transfer card to eligible households with school-age children. This card can be used to buy groceries from authorized retailers, such as Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger. The program aims to compensate for the free or reduced-price meals that children would have received at school if schools had not been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is eligible for P-EBT?
To be eligible for P-EBT, you must have a child in school who is eligible for free or reduced-price meals. However, the child in question must have attended a school that was closed or operating with reduced attendance due to COVID-19 between October 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Additionally, the household must have a valid mailing address on file with the child’s school.
How is the P-EBT amount calculated?
The P-EBT amount is calculated based on the number of days that the child’s school was closed or operating with reduced attendance due to COVID-19. The average daily benefit rate is $6.82 for each eligible child. Thus, if a school was closed for 60 days due to COVID-19, an eligible child would receive $409.20 in P-EBT benefits for that period.
How will you receive the P-EBT benefits?
If you are eligible for P-EBT, you will receive a card by mail from your state’s Department of Human Services. You will need to activate the card once you receive it and follow the instructions to set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Once activated, you can use the card to buy groceries from authorized retailers like Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger.
What are the benefits of P-EBT?
P-EBT benefits ensure that children have access to nutritious food even when schools are closed or operating with reduced attendance due to COVID-19. This means that struggling families can receive additional support to meet their basic needs during a difficult time.
What should you do if you have not received your P-EBT benefits?
If you believe that you are eligible for P-EBT but have not received your benefits, you should contact your state’s Department of Human Services. You can find their contact information by visiting your state’s website.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, P-EBT is a beneficial program that helps struggling families meet their basic needs during the pandemic. Eligible households receive an electronic benefit transfer card that can be used to buy groceries from authorized retailers, and the amount received is calculated based on the number of days that the child’s school was closed or operating with reduced attendance due to COVID-19. If you are eligible for P-EBT and have not received your benefits, you should contact your state’s Department of Human Services for assistance.
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