This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for California. 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 California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE) have been working together to administer P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 California Summer P-EBT benefits, including eligibility criteria, application process, distribution timeline, and the amount of 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 California
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved California’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 California Summer P-EBT Benefits?
To be eligible for the 2023 California Summer P-EBT benefits, school-age children must meet the following requirements:
- Enrolled for at least one day in May 2023 in a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Students must have been determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals through a meal application, alternative income form, direct certification, or designated as homeless, migrant, or foster during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Students who attended a school participating in Provision 2 or the Community Eligibility Provision (regardless of individual student eligibility) are also eligible.
It’s important to note that there are certain situations in which students may not qualify for Summer 2023 P-EBT.
This includes if they exited school or graduated prior to May 1, 2023, transferred out of state, transferred to a school not participating in NSLP or SBP before May 1, 2023.
Additionally, young children under the age of 6 who are not enrolled in a K-12 public school are not eligible.
When will 2023 California P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The Summer 2023 P-EBT is for the period from June through August 2023, and has a set benefit amount of $120.
The CDSS will begin mailing Summer P-EBT cards July 16, 2023 through August 30, 2023.
These cards will be distinguishable as a P-EBT 4.0 card. Cards will be mailed to the address maintained in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Database (CALPADS).
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
The Summer 2023 P-EBT is for the period from June through August 2023, and has a set benefit amount of $120.
The CDSS will begin mailing Summer P-EBT cards July 16, 2023 through August 30, 2023.
These cards will be distinguishable as a P-EBT 4.0 card.
2023 California Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for California:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, eligible families do not need to apply for the 2023 California Summer P-EBT benefits.
Students who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year and were enrolled during the last calendar month of the school year will automatically receive the Summer P-EBT benefits.
When will the 2023 California Summer P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will begin mailing Summer P-EBT cards from July 16, 2023, to August 30, 2023.
These cards will be sent to the address maintained in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Database (CALPADS).
It is important for school districts to ensure that address data is up-to-date.
In case a student’s address field is blank, the CDSS will include the district office address for the student before sending the information.
What school-aged children are automatically eligible for Summer P-EBT?
Students who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year at a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and were enrolled during the last calendar month of the school year are automatically eligible for Summer P-EBT.
Students enrolled in NSLP sites participating in Community Eligibility Provision, Provision 2, or Provision 3 cycles are also eligible.
Additionally, no action is needed by the household to receive the benefit.
What is the set benefit amount for the Summer 2023 P-EBT?
The Summer 2023 P-EBT benefit amount is set at $120 per eligible child.
This amount is intended to provide assistance with food expenses during the months of June through August 2023.
How will the Summer P-EBT benefits be distributed?
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will distribute the Summer P-EBT benefits through P-EBT cards.
These cards will be mailed to the address maintained in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Database (CALPADS).
It is important for school districts to ensure that address data is up-to-date.
For students with no address (due to homelessness or other reasons), either the school or district address will be used.
Private schools will receive separate instructions for reporting eligible student information.
Are private school students eligible for Summer P-EBT?
Yes, private school students can be eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits.
Private schools will have a separate process to report eligible student information.
The eligibility, benefits, and timelines for private school students will be the same as for public school students.
Also, the California Department of Education (CDE) will provide private schools with more information through a separate communication.
How can households get more information or assistance with P-EBT?
The CDSS has created a P-EBT Helpline to assist eligible households with questions about P-EBT.
The helpline can provide assistance with PIN setup, address changes, replacement card requests, and general inquiries about eligibility and benefits.
The P-EBT Helpline can be reached at 877-328-9677 from Monday to Friday, between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How do I check my California P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at (877) 328-9677 (M-F from 6am to 8pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for California
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 California Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 California 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 or visit the CDSS P-EBT website.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for California was helpful.
If you have further questions about California 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: