Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows recipients of government assistance to pay for goods and services using a card-based system similar to a debit card. EBT is used in all states to issue food stamp benefits to recipients, and many states also issue cash benefits such as Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) using EBT. EBT cards are issued to eligible recipients with a magnetic strip and a PIN.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is part of the U.S. government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through P-EBT, eligible school children receive temporary emergency nutrition benefits loaded on EBT cards that are used to purchase food. Children who would have received free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act if their schools were not closed or operating with reduced hours or attendance for at least 5 consecutive days are eligible to receive P-EBT benefits. P-EBT also provides benefits to younger children in households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) whose covered.
