Additional benefits available again for families due to pandemic
Last year, the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and Texas Education Agency made additional benefits available to families through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. P-EBT provides food benefits for families with children who temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price meals at school during the COVID-19 pandemic. This one-time benefit is being offered again to families starting June 2nd.
Who is eligible?
Families with children who meet one of the following criteria:
- Up to 21 years old and certified for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) at a school in Texas during the 2020-2021 school year.
- Up to 21 years old and attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2 (P2) school that offers free meals to all students.
- Born after August 1, 2014, in families who received SNAP benefits for at least one month between October 2020 and June 2021.
What can families buy with P-EBT funds?
Household food items, such as fruits, meats/poultry/fish, dairy and breads. P-EBT benefits can be used wherever SNAP food benefits are accepted.
Do I need to apply for these P-EBT benefits?
Families receiving SNAP benefits prior to May 2021 DO NOT need to apply to receive the P-EBT benefits. They will automatically be loaded onto these families’ Lone Star Cards from May 25th to May 29th. A notice will be mailed after their benefits have been loaded.
Families receiving SNAP benefits for the first time in May 2021 or June 2021, or eligible families not receiving SNAP benefits will need to apply for P-EBT benefits. A P-EBT card will be mailed after applying.
Where can I get additional information about the P-EBT program or apply?
Click here to download a flyer about the P-EBT program or visit the Texas HHSC website. You can apply online or you can reach the P-EBT call center at 833-442-1255.
**Applications must be submitted no later than August 13, 2021**