This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Hawaii. 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits.
Let’s dive in!
What is P-EBT?
Congress established the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program in 2020 to help families purchase food during pandemic-related school and child care closures.
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 Hawaii
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Hawaii’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 Hawaii Summer P-EBT Benefits?
The Summer P-EBT program provides food purchasing assistance for school-aged students who meet certain criteria:
- Students enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals at a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Students enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision.
- Returning students at DOE or NSLP Charter and Private Schools who apply for free or reduced-price school meals by August 6, 2023, and are later determined eligible and enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals.
When will 2023 Hawaii P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
For eligible students in free/reduced-price lunch or CEP schools on the last day of 2022-23, Summer P-EBT loaded on June 28, 2023.
Apply at EZMealApp.com by August 6, 2023, for eligible students not in NSLP. Benefits given on September 12, 2023.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible student/child will receive a Summer P-EBT benefit of $139.
This benefit covers the summer period starting from July 15, 2023, through August 6, 2023.
2023 Hawaii Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Hawaii:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
Eligible students are automatically enrolled for Summer P-EBT benefits through verification with their NSLP-participating school.
There is NO APPLICATION for Summer P-EBT benefits if your child meets the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
Who is eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits?
Students qualify for Summer P-EBT benefits if they meet any of the following criteria:
- They are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and receive free or reduced-price school meals.
- They attend a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision.
- Returning students at DOE or NSLP Charter and Private Schools who apply for free or reduced-price school meals by August 6, 2023, and are later determined eligible and enrolled in the NSLP.
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
NSLP-participating students do not need to apply for Summer P-EBT if they already receive free/reduced-price meals.
School verification automatically enrolls eligible students.
If not in NSLP and in need, apply at EZMealApp.com by July 15 – August 6, 2023 (DOE schools) or contact your school (Charter/Private schools in NSLP).
How much will students/children receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits?
Each eligible student/child will receive a Summer P-EBT benefit of $139.
This amount covers the summer period from July 15, 2023, through August 6, 2023.
When will the 2023 Hawaii Summer P-EBT benefits be distributed?
The distribution dates vary based on eligibility:
- For students enrolled in free or reduced-price school lunch or CEP schools on the last day of the 2022-23 school year, benefits were automatically loaded to their Hawaiʻi P-EBT accounts on June 28, 2023.
- For students who apply and are determined eligible and enrolled by August 6, 2023, Summer P-EBT benefits will be issued on September 12, 2023.
How does the P-EBT card work?
Eligible students receive their benefits through a Hawaiʻi P-EBT account, accessible using a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card (white card with black lettering).
If a student is newly eligible and hasn’t received P-EBT before, we will mail separate Hawaiʻi P-EBT cards to each eligible student.
Do my child and I need to be U.S. citizens to receive P-EBT benefits?
No, P-EBT benefits are available to all children who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of citizenship status.
Using P-EBT benefits will not affect a parent or child’s immigration status.
Are homeschooled or virtual school students eligible for Summer P-EBT?
No, the federal P-EBT law does not allow states to issue Summer P-EBT benefits to homeschooled children or students of non-NSLP participating virtual schools.
What if I need a replacement card?
If you require a replacement Hawaiʻi P-EBT card, you can call the P-EBT call center at 1-888-975-PEBT(7328) or request one by clicking the “Contact Us” button at pais-pebt.dhs.hawaii.gov.
Will there be any future P-EBT benefits after Summer 2023?
Unfortunately, Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits are the last authorized benefits that states may offer.
After September 30, 2023, as the federal COVID-19 health emergency ends, states will no longer provide P-EBT benefits.
For help, contact the P-EBT call center at 1-888-975-PEBT(7328) or visit pais-pebt.dhs.hawaii.gov.
How do I check my Hawaii P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-888-328-4292 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Hawaii
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Hawaii Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Hawaii 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 Hawaii was helpful.
If you have further questions about Hawaii 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: