The Pandemic Electronics Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a government program that provides grocery funds to households where students lost access to school meals because of COVID-related absences, school closures, or virtual learning. Eligible students are those who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Parents/guardians should apply by July 31 to receive P-EBT benefits. The application portal will close after that date. Since schools were not required to record COVID-related absences during the 2021-2022 school year, parents/guardians are required to submit an application to verify their student’s number of absences.
Households can use their P-EBT benefits to buy fruits, veggies, breads, meat, poultry, and dairy at their local grocery stores and most major retailers. Students will receive $7.10 for each day they missed school due to COVID-related reasons. That amount corresponds to the daily rate for breakfast, lunch, and a snack.
Who is Eligible?
To receive P-EBT for the 2021-2022 school year, students:
Must attend an NSLP (National School Lunch Program) school
Must have missed school due to COVID-related absences
Must be enrolled in SNAP/TANF/MEDICAID or be enrolled at a CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) School, or be eligible for NSLP through an application with the school district.
Where Can I Apply?
You can apply for these benefits on behalf of your child by going to https://myflfamiliespebt.com/pebt, creating an account, and filling out the online application. You can submit one application per student. Once the application is filled out, you should take it to your child’s school to confirm the number of absences.
The application must be signed by a school administrator and uploaded onto the online portal in order for the application to be approved.
When Will I Receive the Benefits?
You can anticipate a staggered disbursement of benefits through September 2022. If you have any questions, you may call 1-833-311-0321.
For more information, check out this FAQ page!
Author: Hannah Himmelgreen