The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many aspects of daily life, including the regular provision of school meals to children. To address this, the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program was introduced. In Florida, this program has been tailored to meet the specific needs of its residents, especially during the summer months.
Summer 2023 P-EBT Program in Florida
With the onset of summer, Florida has taken proactive steps to ensure that children continue to receive the necessary nutritional support. The state’s Summer 2023 P-EBT program is a testament to this commitment.
Key Aspects:
- Florida has secured approval to distribute over $264 million in P-EBT benefits for Summer 2023.
- The program aims to benefit an estimated 2.2 million school-aged students.
- Each eligible student is slated to receive a one-time benefit of $120 for the summer.
Determining Eligibility
To be considered for the Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits in Florida, students must meet specific criteria:
- They should have been attending a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- They must have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the NSLP or School Breakfast Program (SBP) at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
This encompasses:
- Students who are directly certified for free school meals due to their family’s participation in programs like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid.
- Students in schools that are part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
- Students who have been deemed eligible for the NSLP by their school district through an application process.
Distribution Mechanism
Florida has a structured plan for the rollout of the P-EBT benefits:
- Families already enrolled in SNAP will receive the P-EBT benefits on their existing EBT cards.
- Those who aren’t current SNAP beneficiaries but have received P-EBT in the past will get the benefits on their P-EBT card.
- New beneficiaries, who haven’t previously received P-EBT, will be mailed a new P-EBT card with the benefits preloaded.
Addressing Concerns and Queries
Florida understands that beneficiaries might have questions or face issues:
- For those who misplace their P-EBT card, the state has established a P-EBT Call Center at 1-833-311-0321 to assist with replacements.
- The state emphasizes the importance of keeping the Department updated with current addresses to ensure timely delivery of new EBT cards.
Conclusion
Florida’s P-EBT program is a reflection of the state’s dedication to ensuring that its young residents continue to receive essential nutritional support, especially in challenging times.
By offering this assistance during the summer months, Florida is taking a significant step in combating food insecurity among its children.
FAQs – People Also Ask
What is Summer P-EBT?
Summer P-EBT is an extension of the P-EBT program to provide food assistance to eligible students during the summer months when they don’t have access to school meals.
What students are eligible for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits?
Students who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the NSLP during the 2022-2023 school year and attended a participating school are typically eligible.
What students are “Directly Certified” for P-EBT benefits?
Students are directly certified if they automatically qualify for free school meals due to their family’s participation in programs like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid.
How would I know if my child attended a school that participated in the NSLP during school year 2022-2023?
You can contact your child’s school or school district to verify their participation in the NSLP.
Will my SNAP enrolled child under age 6 receive a Summer 2023 P-EBT benefit?
Typically, children under age 6 who are part of SNAP-enrolled households are eligible for P-EBT, but specific criteria might vary by state.
What benefit amount will I receive?
The benefit amount can vary, but for Summer 2023 in Florida, each eligible student is set to receive a one-time benefit of $120.
How will I receive my P-EBT benefit?
Benefits are typically loaded onto an EBT or P-EBT card, which can be used like a debit card at authorized retailers.
What if I have a school age student who was receiving free and reduced-price school meals and did not receive the P-EBT benefit?
You should contact the relevant state department or agency overseeing the P-EBT program to inquire and ensure your child receives the benefit.
What are acceptable forms of verification?
Typically, school enrollment records, direct certification letters, or other official documentation showing eligibility for free or reduced-price meals are accepted.
When will I receive my P-EBT benefits?
For Summer 2023 in Florida, benefits are expected to be distributed between July and September 2023.
How do I know when my P-EBT benefit has been added to my EBT card?
You can usually check the balance on your EBT card by calling the number on the back of the card or accessing an online portal provided by the state.
What can I purchase with P-EBT benefits?
P-EBT benefits can be used to buy eligible food items, similar to SNAP benefits, at authorized retailers.
What retailers accept P-EBT?
Most retailers that accept SNAP benefits will also accept P-EBT.
When will my P-EBT benefits expire?
If you haven’t accessed your P-EBT benefits for a continuous period of 9 months in Florida, they will no longer be available. Additionally, if your EBT card holds both P-EBT and other benefits, your purchases will first draw from the P-EBT funds.
What if a student resides in multiple residences?
In Florida, benefits are usually issued to the primary residence or address on file with the school.
What if I received a P-EBT card and do not need this benefit?
If you don’t need the benefit in Florida, you can destroy the card or contact the Florida Department of Children and Families for guidance.
How does the P-EBT card look?
The Florida P-EBT card often looks similar to a regular EBT card but might have specific markings or logos indicating it’s for the P-EBT program.
How can I activate the P-EBT card?
Activation instructions are typically provided with the card, often requiring a call to a designated number in Florida.
How do I request a replacement card?
For Florida, you can contact the P-EBT Call Center at 1-833-311-0321 for a replacement.
Did Florida get approved for P-EBT 2023?
Yes, Florida has been approved to issue P-EBT benefits for eligible students for Summer 2023.
Why did I receive a Florida P-EBT card?
You received a Florida P-EBT card because a student in your household was identified as eligible for the P-EBT program, likely due to their qualification for free or reduced-price meals during the school year.
How do I check my Florida P-EBT balance?
To check the balance on your Florida P-EBT card, you can call the number on the back of the card or access Florida’s EBT online portal. Some states also offer mobile apps for EBT card management.
Will Florida receive P-EBT in 2023?
Yes, Florida has been approved and is set to distribute P-EBT benefits to eligible students during Summer 2023 by September 30, 2023
How do I check my PEBT card in Florida?
To verify the balance or transactions on your PEBT card in Florida, you can call the customer service number located on the back of your card or visit the state’s designated EBT online portal.