Home > P-EBT FAQ
  • Q1: What is Pandemic EBT?
    A1: Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) provides nutritional resources to families who have lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to school closures and/or virtual learning models. Families will receive money on a new or existing EBT card to help fill the school meals gap. States are in the process of creating plans to implement P-EBT for the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Q2: Who is eligible for P-EBT?
    A2: All children who would receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), if not for a school closure are eligible to receive P-EBT. If your your child attends a school that offers free school meals to all students, then you are eligible to receive P-EBT benefits. Families who have lost their job or wages may now be eligible. Learn more on your state’s P-EBT webpage.

      • Virtual Learning
        • If your child(ren) attends school virtually through their school district, they will be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits for school year 2020-2021.
      • Hybrid Learning
        • If your child(ren) attends school virtually some days and in person other days they will be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits for the days they are attending virtually and cannot receive meals from the school.
      • Homeschooled Children
        • If your child(ren) is currently homeschooled they are not eligible for P-EBT benefits for school year 2020-2021.

  • Q3: When will I receive benefits for school year 2020-2021?
    A3: Each state is in the process of creating a plan to implement P-EBT for the 2020-2021 school year. Check your state’s P-EBT website for the latest on P-EBT in your state.
  • Q4: How can I receive benefits?
    A4:

    • Ensure that your child(ren) is approved for Free or Reduced-Price school meals. Contact your school district for an application.
    • States are still in the process of developing their plans to distribute benefits for school year 2020-2021. Check your state’s webpage for the status of P-EBT in your state and if there are steps you must take to access the program.

  • Q5: Does P-EBT replace grab and go meal sites?
    A5: P-EBT benefits supplement grab and go student meal sites. They do not replace them. You can find a meal site in your community through USDA’s Meals 4 Kids Site Finder.
  • Q6: If my child qualified for P-EBT in the 2019-2020 school year and I did not receive benefits, what should I do?
    A6: Check your state’s P-EBT website to see how to inquire about missing benefits.
  • Q7: Will this affect my ability to receive other benefits?
    A7: No, it will not.
  • Q8: Does this count against me under public charge?
    A8: No, it does not. Using P-EBT benefits does not impact you or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT benefits.
  • Q9: Are there other resources available for emergency food access?
    A9: Feeding America has a food bank finder for immediate access to food.