Families with kids in grades K-12 can get extra money to cover food costs this summer. The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is back for summer 2023. Providers is here to answer your questions about P-EBT and help you make the most of your benefits.
Missed our first FAQ on school year 2022-2023 P-EBT? Read it here.
What is summer P-EBT?
Summer P-EBT is a state-run program that helps families buy food. You can get money for food when your child is out of school for the summer. The money replaces the free or reduced-priced meals your child would have gotten at school.
As of April 2023, 22 states have announced summer P-EBT programs for kids in grades K-12. More states will announce programs in the coming months. Download the Providers app to see if your state is participating.
Is summer 2023 P-EBT going away now that SNAP emergency allotments have ended?
No. Summer 2023 P-EBT will continue even though SNAP emergency allotments have ended. You can keep track of whether your state is participating in summer P-EBT by downloading the Providers app.
Does my child qualify for P-EBT?
Your child is eligible if:
- They’re in a public school in grades K-12
- They get free or reduced-priced meals at school
If you think your child might qualify for free or reduced-priced meals at school but they’re not enrolled yet, contact your school district to apply. See program eligibility information.
Note that this year, children ages 0-6 in childcare are not eligible for summer P-EBT.
How do I get summer P-EBT?
If your state is participating in summer P-EBT and your child qualifies, you should get benefits automatically.
How much money will I get?
Your child will get a one-time payment for summer P-EBT. The amount for summer 2023 is lower than in previous years.
| Location | Amount per child |
|---|---|
| Lower 48 states | $120 |
| Alaska | $188 |
| Hawaii, Guam, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands | $139 |
When will I get summer P-EBT?
You’ll get benefits no later than September 30, 2023. Download the Providers app to track estimated payment dates for your state.
Where will I get my P-EBT benefits?
States send P-EBT payments in different ways.
- If you get food stamps, your child’s P-EBT benefits can be loaded right onto your EBT card.
- If your child got a P-EBT card in the past, their school year P-EBT benefits can be loaded onto that card.
- You may also get a new card in the mail.
If you have questions about how you’ll get your benefits, call your state’s P-EBT hotline.
How can I keep track of my P-EBT card balance?
If your child’s P-EBT benefits come on a card, you can add that card to your Providers account to keep track of your balance. If you don’t have Providers yet, download the app to start tracking your EBT and P-EBT balances.
What can I buy with my P-EBT benefits?
You can use your P-EBT to buy the same kinds of food items that you buy with food stamps. Any store that takes EBT also accepts P-EBT. Use the Providers app to find grocery stores near you that accept EBT, or to see online grocery options.
There’s a problem with my P-EBT benefits or card. What can I do?
Contact your state’s P-EBT hotline for help with your P-EBT benefits or card. Find your state’s P-EBT hotline.
I’m missing benefits from last summer. What can I do?
If you think your child qualified for P-EBT in a previous summer but didn’t get benefits, call your state’s P-EBT hotline. Find your state’s P-EBT hotline.
Download the Providers app for the latest updates on P-EBT and other benefit programs in your state.