This extension means that families who received P-EBT cards last year may see an increase in the balance on their cards.
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) cards have been extended by the state until September
The P-EBT program was established to support families who were affected by school closures and remote learning during the pandemic. It aimed to cover the cost of meals that children missed due to these circumstances. The program benefits children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals or who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Under the extended program, K-12 children will receive payments for the 2021-2022 school year and a $391 P-EBT food benefit for summer 2022. Children under 6 who receive SNAP will receive a $31 monthly benefit from September 2021 to June 2022, along with a $391 P-EBT food benefit for summer 2022.
The amount of the school year payment depends on the number of days a child was eligible for free or reduced-price meals but did not receive them at school. The daily rate used to calculate the payment is $6.82 per eligible child.
The state will automatically issue last year’s summer P-EBT food benefits to eligible children who did not receive automatic payments for the 2021-2022 school year
These payments will be completed by September 29 and families do not need to apply for the Summer 2022 P-EBT food benefit.
Families can use their P-EBT cards to purchase food at stores accepting SNAP or online at platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, ShopRite, and The Fresh Grocer. They can also use the cards at participating farmers’ markets. It’s important to note that P-EBT benefits do not impact eligibility for other public assistance programs and are not considered taxable income.