This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Connecticut. 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 Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Connecticut 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 Connecticut Summer 2023 P-EBT 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).
The 2023 Connecticut Summer P-EBT benefits offer crucial support to eligible families, ensuring that their children’s nutritional needs are met during the summer months.
Summer 2023 P-EBT for Connecticut
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Connecticut’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 Connecticut Summer P-EBT Benefits?
Children who are enrolled in Connecticut schools and are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2022-2023 school year may qualify for the 2023 Summer P-EBT Benefits.
Additionally, children attending schools participating in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) may also be eligible if their school operated with reduced hours or was closed for at least five consecutive days during the previous school year due to COVID-19.
When will 2023 Connecticut P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
P-EBT benefits for the 2023 summer will be distributed starting in August 2023.
However, exact distribution dates will be communicated to eligible households through official channels.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Connecticut P-EBT benefits for the entire 2023 summer period is $120 per eligible child.
2023 Connecticut Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Connecticut:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
For eligible households already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, P-EBT benefits will automatically be loaded onto their existing EBT cards.
Families who are not currently receiving SNAP benefits but are eligible for P-EBT will receive a P-EBT card in the mail.
These families do not need to apply separately for Summer P-EBT benefits.
How can I activate my P-EBT card?
To activate your P-EBT card, follow these steps:
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- Call the phone number on the back of the card: 1-888-328-2666.
- Enter the last four digits on the front of the card.
- Select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
- Enter the 18-digit card number on the front of the card.
- Enter the Date of Birth of the person whose name is on the front of the card using the format 2 digit month + 2 digit day + 4 digit year (e.g., October 3, 2014 = 10032014).
- If the card is in the name of a parent/guardian, enter the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN). If the card is in your child’s name, enter four zeroes (0000) in place of the SSN.
- Enter a 4-digit PIN number two times.
Where can I use my P-EBT benefits to buy food?
You can use your P-EBT benefits at most grocery stores, corner stores, and farmer’s markets where SNAP benefits are accepted.
Look for signs that say “WE ACCEPT EBT / SNAP HERE.”
You can also use your P-EBT card to buy groceries online from select retailers such as:
- ALDI
- Amazon
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Food Bazaar
- Price Chopper/Market 32
- Sam’s Club Scan & Go
- ShopRite
- Stop & Shop
- and Walmart.
Additionally, some retailers, like Aldi, Price Chopper/Market 32, and Stop & Shop, even offer online delivery through a partnership with Instacart.
Are students enrolled in private schools eligible for P-EBT?
Yes, some private schools participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and are eligible for P-EBT benefits if the school was closed or operating with reduced hours due to COVID-19.
What happens if I don’t use all my P-EBT benefits within the specified time frame?
If you do not use all your P-EBT benefits for a period of 274 consecutive days (approximately 9 months), any remaining benefits that are at least 274 days old will be removed from your account.
To avoid losing benefits, it is important to use your P-EBT card regularly and not let it go unused for an extended period.
Can I transfer my P-EBT benefits to someone else?
No, P-EBT benefits are non-transferable and can only be used by the household that receives the card.
Also, it is against the rules to let others use your card or sell it to someone else. Any misuse of the card can result in penalties and may affect your eligibility for future benefits.
Will using P-EBT benefits affect my immigration status or public charge status?
No, receiving P-EBT benefits will not affect your immigration status or public charge status.
Both the Department of Homeland Security and USDA have stated that P-EBT benefits are not considered a public benefit under the public charge inadmissibility rule or policy.
Also, receiving P-EBT benefits will not make you a “public charge” or impact your immigration status.
How do I report a lost or stolen P-EBT card?
If your P-EBT card is lost or stolen, you should immediately call 1-888-328-2666 to report it.
The customer service representative will assist you in deactivating the lost card and issuing a replacement card with your remaining benefits.
What should I do if I believe my child is eligible for P-EBT benefits, but I did not receive them?
If you believe your child is eligible for P-EBT benefits, but you did not receive them, here’s what you can do:
Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) at 1-855-626-6632 to inquire about your eligibility and resolve any issues related to the benefits.
Can I use P-EBT benefits to buy hot, prepared food from restaurants?
No, P-EBT benefits cannot be used to buy hot, prepared food from restaurants or fast-food establishments.
The benefits are meant to be used for purchasing groceries and eligible food items from grocery stores, corner stores, and farmer’s markets.
Will my child automatically receive P-EBT benefits for the summer of 2023 if they received benefits in previous years?
No, P-EBT benefits for each school year are determined based on specific eligibility criteria for that year.
Additionally, receiving benefits in previous years does not automatically guarantee eligibility for the current year.
Eligibility for P-EBT benefits is assessed based on the child’s school enrollment status, school participation in the NSLP and SBP, and other criteria for the specified period.
Are children who are homeschooled eligible for P-EBT?
No, children who are homeschooled are not eligible for P-EBT benefits.
P-EBT benefits are provided to eligible students who would have received free or reduced-price school meals through the NSLP and/or SBP if not for their school closure, reduced hours, or reduced attendance due to COVID-19.
How do I check my Connecticut P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-888-328-2666 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Connecticut
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Connecticut Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Connecticut 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.
Lastly, for more information or assistance, households can contact the P-EBT Helpline.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for Connecticut was helpful.
If you have further questions about Connecticut 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: