what is p ebt benefits

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a federal child nutrition program created during the COVID-19 public health emergency to promote increased food security for students. 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 benefits can be used to buy any food that can be bought with SNAP, except prepared foods and foods sold hot. P-EBT benefits can be used at any store that accepts SNAP, including online from many retailers. If you have a P-EBT card, you can check your balance by visiting DTAConnect.com/pebt or by calling the number on the back of your P-EBT card.