Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is a one-time food benefit for children who qualified for free or reduced-price school meals when schools were closed last spring. P-EBT provides funds (up to $399 per eligible child) to help low-income families buy groceries. It works like a debit card and can be used at any store or farmers markets that accept food stamps (SNAP). Children are eligible for P-EBT regardless of citizenship or immigration status; it is not a public charge for a child or their family if they use P-EBT.
If an eligible family does not already receive food stamps (SNAP), they must complete a simple application to receive P-EBT. Apply via DSHS online (www.WashingtonConnection.org) or by phone (877-501-2233, 8am – 5pm Monday-Friday). P-EBT applications must be completed by Friday, Sept. 11 by 5pm.
Almost 219,000 eligible Washington children have not yet applied for P-EBT — please help families learn about and apply for this critical food benefit before Sept. 11!
Spread the word to your school districts, local community-based organizations, faith communities, mutual aid organizations, and more so our communities can help make sure low income families get help to feed their kids.
Click the link below to learn more about how the program works and who is eligible (note: application deadline has been extended to Sept. 11). OSPI also has a P-EBT Communications Toolkit with FAQs and outreach materials in 12 languages to include in all Back to School communications with families. https://medium.com/@waOSPI/what-is-pandemic-ebt-a7a086fcaf94
