Many families have likely received Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) cards. in the mail.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services has provided a question and answer sheet for families who have received these cards.
What is Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)? Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) provides stimulus to households with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the COVID-19 Response. P-EBT provides a benefits card that families can use to replace school meals. For more information please visit the CHFS P-EBT webpage.
Who is eligible for August and September P-EBT Stimulus? For the months of August and September, students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals or attend schools where all students receive free meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and have the following class schedules are eligible for the P-EBT Stimulus:
All Virtual– Families with students attending virtual classes for at least 5 consecutive school days are eligible for the P-EBT Stimulus. Hybrid (in-person and virtual)-Families with students attending hybrid classes that are virtual for at least 5 consecutive school days in the given benefit months are eligible for the P-EBT Stimulus. Students who are not eligible:
Families with students attending in-person classes
Traditional homeschool students
How do I apply for the P-EBT Stimulus?
There is no application required for August and September. A new card will automatically be sent to each child. The child’s personal information (DOB, zip code) is used to activate the card.
How are eligible students determined?
Eligibility for the program is determined by CHFS and is based on participation in the National School Lunch Program and on school start dates and instruction methods.
How much is the P-EBT benefit?
P-EBT stimulus amounts will vary and are specific to each student. The maximum rates provided in Kentucky will be used including the severe need breakfast and lunch rates. Weekends and holidays are not included. Rate per student: $5.86/day
PLEASE NOTE: Each student’s amount is specific to the individual student’s
situation and the total benefit may vary between students who attend the same school or even between students who reside in the same household.
When will I receive my stimulus card?
Cards will be mailed starting in October; some children may not receive a card until late December.
How can I get help with P-EBT?
Please call 1-855-306-8959 and the Food Benefits option if you need assistance. Please DO NOT call your school, as they cannot assist with P EBT.
Is the P-EBT Stimulus a public assistance program? No, P-EBT helps reimburse families facing the unexpected new expense of meals at home for a student who would have normally received free/reduced-price meals at school through the National School Lunch Program.
Is the P-EBT Stimulus the same as SNAP (formally known as Food Stamps)?
No, the P-EBT Stimulus is separate from SNAP.
How will households currently receiving SNAP benefits receive the P-EBT Stimulus Package?
Households currently receiving SNAP will receive a new P-EBT card for each eligible child.
Are homeschool children eligible? No. Only children who were enrolled in a school where they received free/reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program are eligible for the P-EBT Stimulus Package.
Will Head Start students receive the P-EBT Stimulus? Head Start students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch at schools offering the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and who meet the appropriate class schedule (virtual or hybrid) are eligible to receive the P-EBT Stimulus.
I have more than one child eligible for free or reduced lunch. Will I receive one card or individual cards for each child?
A separate EBT card will be issued for each eligible student.
Can student benefits be split between households? No. Benefits will be issued to each child based on the most recent address
available. It is important to remember that the benefit is for the student and should be provided to the parent or guardian purchasing food for the student.
What can I buy with the P-EBT Stimulus?
Any food for the household, such as:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants which produce food for the child to eat
Households may not use P-EBT benefits to buy:
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, supplements
Items with a supplement facts label are considered supplements and not eligible for P-EBT purchase.
Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
Prepared foods fit for immediate consumption
Hot foods
Nonfood items such as:
o Pet foods
o Cleaning supplies, paper products and other household supplies. o Hygiene items, cosmetics
Can I give the card or benefit to someone else if I don’t need it? No. The benefit is intended for the child only. It cannot be give away or transferred.
Do I have to purchase items only in Kentucky?
No, you may use your P-EBT card anywhere EBT is accepted.
Can I purchase items online?
Yes, you may use your P-EBT card to make online purchases at participating retailers. Please refer to retailer websites for more information.
How long do I have to spend my P-EBT benefits?
Your P-EBT benefits will remain active on your card for one year.
If I receive the P-EBT Stimulus will it affect my eligibility for other public assistance programs?
No. P-EBT benefits are an additional service and will not affect your eligibility
for other public assistance programs. We encourage families to continue using school and community meal sites for free, nutritious meals for children. Families can go online to Meals for Kids interactive map for local sites where kids can get free meals.
Will P-EBT be considered in a public charge determination? No, receipt of P-EBT will not be considered in a public charge determination.
What information is needed to activate my P-EBT card? you must enter the date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY) of the person whose name is on the card and the zip code where the card was mailed.
