Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) provides nutrition benefits to families who have lost access to free or reduced-price school meals because schools are closed. Eligible students and families will receive money on a new or existing EBT card to help fill the school meals gap. There is no application process to complete.
Most households will receive $319 per child ($5.70/day per student, retroactive to when school initially closed). If a child became enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals or a family enrolled in SNAP after schools closed, the amount will be prorated to the beginning of the month of eligibility.
Families can get both P-EBT and continue to get “grab and go” meals from schools and community organizations that schools are serving during the pandemic.
The P-EBT card works like a debit card to purchase food items anywhere EBT benefits are accepted. Click here for a list of what you can buy with P-EBT. Click here to find a list of EBT retailers. In Marion County, you can also download the Community Compass app from Indy Hunger Network and the City of Indianapolis to find EBT retailers near you.
Using P-EBT benefits does not impact you or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT benefits.
SNAP Households
If you receive SNAP, benefits will be added to your EBT card in the coming weeks. If you do not receive SNAP but your children received free and reduced-price meals during the school year, an EBT card will be sent in the mail to eligible students.
