This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Arkansas. The Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) has been a crucial federal food program that has provided support to families during the summer period of COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though the official COVID-19 health has ended, the federal government is still approving state Summer P-EBT benefits to eligible students.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Arkansas Summer P-EBT benefits.
Additionally, we will explain the eligibility criteria, application process, distribution timeline, and the amount of benefits.
Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Arkansas benefits.
Let’s dive in!
What is P-EBT?
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program was established by Congress in 2020 to assist families in purchasing food while schools and child care facilities were closed due to the pandemic.
P-EBT provides funds to households with children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Summer 2023 P-EBT for Arkansas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Arkansas’s Summer 2023 P-EBT State plan for school-age children.
This means that eligible families will continue to receive P-EBT benefits during the summer months.
Who is Eligible for 2023 Arkansas Summer P-EBT Benefits?
Students attending public schools in Arkansas who were eligible for free or reduced-priced school meals by May 31, 2023, automatically qualify for the Summer P-EBT benefit.
This also includes students attending schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2 (P2) in the school year 2023.
When will 2023 Arkansas P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The distribution process for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits is as follows:
- June 2, 2023: Eligible student data will be extracted from the statewide eSchool database and sent to DHS for payment processing.
- July to September 2023: DHS will process and issue Summer P-EBT benefits.
- September 30, 2023: This is the USDA’s deadline for all Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits to be paid. It’s important to note that these benefits need to be distributed within the fiscal year.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
The Summer 2023 P-EBT benefit will be a one-time payment of $120 per eligible student.
This payment will be issued on a separate EBT card for each eligible student.
These cards will be mailed between late July and September to the address on file with ADE.
2023 Arkansas Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Arkansas:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
If your child was already eligible for free or reduced-price school meals before May 31, 2023, you don’t need to submit a separate application for Summer P-EBT.
However, if you haven’t completed a free or reduced meal application, it’s recommended to do so before the deadline to ensure your child’s eligibility for the benefit.
Can students attending private schools also receive Summer P-EBT benefits?
Yes, students attending private schools that partnered with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) are eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Is there a deadline for completing the Free/Reduced Meal Application?
Yes, the deadline for completing the application is May 31, 2023.
It’s advisable to complete the application before this date to ensure your child’s eligibility for the benefit.
Can households with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals establish their eligibility by application during the summer?
Yes, states that choose to keep their school meal application process open beyond the school year’s end will set a summer application deadline that allows processing and benefit issuance by September 30, 2023.
Will existing P-EBT households receive new cards for Summer P-EBT benefits?
Existing P-EBT households may receive new cards for Summer P-EBT benefits.
Both SNAP and non-SNAP households may receive new cards to ensure smooth distribution.
How do I check my Arkansas P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-800-997-9999 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Arkansas
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Arkansas Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Arkansas Summer P-EBT benefits aim to provide additional support to families with school-age children during the summer months.
Eligible households do not need to apply for these benefits as they will be automatically distributed to students who meet the eligibility criteria.
The set benefit amount of $120 per eligible child will help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with providing food during the summer.
For more information or assistance, households can contact the P-EBT Helpline.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for Arkansas was helpful.
If you have further questions about Arkansas P-EBT benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles on SNAP EBT and Food Stamps: