This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Colorado. 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 Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Colorado 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 Colorado
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Colorado’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 Colorado Summer P-EBT Benefits?
To be eligible for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits, your child must meet the following criteria:
- Was eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Was enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) as of May 2023.
- The student’s district reported their information to the P-EBT program.
Please note that due to the ending of the Public Health Emergency in May 2023, SNAP households with children under 6 are not eligible for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits.
When will 2023 Colorado P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The distribution of Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits will begin in mid-July 2023.
This will be the final distribution of funds for the P-EBT program as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has ended.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Eligible children will receive a single lump-sum payment of $120 to cover the summer months of June to August 2023.
2023 Colorado Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Colorado:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, there is no need to apply for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits.
The P-EBT program can only act on data submitted to the program by other state agencies.
Eligible children will be automatically identified based on school enrollment and participation in the National School Lunch Program.
If your child is eligible, you will receive a notice of eligibility via mail.
What is the purpose of the P-EBT program?
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program was established to provide additional food assistance to families with students or young children who faced reduced access to meals due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It helps ensure that children continue to receive essential nutrition when they cannot access meals at school.
How do P-EBT benefits work?
P-EBT benefits are issued retroactively based on school attendance and COVID-19 outbreak information reported by the student’s school district, or SNAP participation for children under 6.
Eligible families receive a cash-like benefit on a P-EBT or SNAP EBT card, which they can use to purchase eligible food items from authorized retailers.
What makes a child eligible for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits?
To be eligible for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits, a child must meet the following criteria:
- They were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2022-2023 school year.
- They were enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) as of May 2023.
- The student’s district reported their information to the P-EBT program.
Are undocumented or mixed-status households eligible for P-EBT benefits?
Yes, P-EBT benefits are available to all eligible children, regardless of their immigration status.
Using P-EBT does not impact the immigration status of the child or their family.
Furthermore, public charge rules do not apply to P-EBT funds.
Can I use P-EBT benefits to buy food online?
Absolutely! Just like a SNAP EBT card, you can use the P-EBT card to shop for food online from participating retailers, such as Amazon or Walmart.
This convenience makes it easier for families to access nutritious food without leaving their homes.
Can P-EBT benefits be used in conjunction with Double Up Food Bucks?
Yes, households that qualify for Double Up Food Bucks, a program that matches SNAP benefits spent on fresh fruits and vegetables, can also make qualifying purchases using P-EBT benefits.
This empowers families to stretch their food budget and make healthier choices.
Can students who receive P-EBT benefits still access school meals?
Absolutely! Students who receive P-EBT benefits are encouraged to continue accessing school meals, including Grab and Go or cafeteria meals.
P-EBT benefits are intended to supplement days when students cannot access school meals and provide additional support to families during the summer months.
What do I do if I don’t want to use my child’s P-EBT funds?
Participation in the P-EBT program is voluntary.
If you choose not to use the benefits, you may destroy the P-EBT card.
The decision to utilize P-EBT benefits is entirely up to each family’s individual circumstances.
Can I update my child’s address or change the parent or guardian on file?
Yes, you can update your child’s address by contacting the Colorado P-EBT Support Center.
Changes to the parent or guardian on file can only be made under specific circumstances, such as the current guardian’s incapacity or incarceration.
If you believe your situation falls under these circumstances, contact the support center for assistance.
Is there a P-EBT application?
No, there is no P-EBT application process. Be cautious of scammers attempting to collect personal information through fraudulent P-EBT forms.
Always remember that the P-EBT program can only act on data submitted by other state agencies, and the Colorado P-EBT Support Center is the official channel for inquiries and support.
How do I check my Colorado P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1.800.536.5298 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
How do I contact Colorado P-EBT?
Do you need help with your child’s P-EBT benefits?
You can reach the Colorado P-EBT Support Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Phone: 1.800.536.5298
- Text: 720.741.0550
- Email: [email protected]
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Colorado
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Colorado Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Colorado 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 Colorado was helpful.
If you have further questions about Colorado 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: