This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Indiana. 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 Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Indiana 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 the 2023 Summer P-EBT Benefits in Indiana.
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 Indiana
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Indiana’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 Indiana Summer P-EBT Benefits?
The 2023 Indiana Summer P-EBT program aims to assist families with children who have been affected by the pandemic-related changes in school schedules.
Eligibility is determined based on specific criteria:
- Students attending in-person school: If your child attends a school in person, you do not need to apply for the Summer P-EBT benefits. Schools will collect data on eligible absences and submit it to the Division of Family Resources (DFR) for disbursement.
- Students in homeschool or full-time virtual school: If your child is enrolled in homeschooling or a full-time virtual school and meets certain criteria, you should consider applying for P-EBT benefits.
When will 2023 Indiana P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The issuance of Summer P-EBT benefits is projected to occur in late June to early July.
Schools will work with relevant agencies to ensure a smooth distribution process.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Congress required that the P-EBT benefit for the entire 2023 covered summer period shall not exceed $120 per eligible child.
2023 Indiana Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Indiana:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
Students attending in-person school do not have to submit an application, as we determine eligibility based on school attendance records.
However, if your child is in homeschooling or virtual school and meets the criteria, you should apply for P-EBT benefits.
Will Each Student Receive the Same P-EBT Benefit Amount?
No, the benefit amount varies based on the number of missed educational days due to COVID-19-related reasons.
Each eligible student’s benefit is calculated individually based on their specific circumstances.
Do I Have the Correct Mailing Address for P-EBT Cards?
The mailing address used for the P-EBT card is provided by your child’s school.
It’s crucial to ensure that this address is accurate to receive the benefits without any issues.
If you need to update the mailing address or have never received a card, you can find a link on the P-EBT website to update your information.
Can I Verify the Address on File for Correct Mailing?
Absolutely. The student’s school determines the mailing address used for the P-EBT card.
If there have been changes in your address and you need to update it, you can use the address change form provided on the P-EBT website.
This ensures that the FSSA sends your benefits to the correct location.
Does This Program Apply to Children in Head Start, Preschool, or Homeschooled Children?
No, the Summer P-EBT program specifically targets students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who attended an NSLP-participating school at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Children in Head Start, preschool, and homeschooled children are not eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits.
What Happens After the Federal Public Health Emergency Ends?
Once the Federal Public Health Emergency concludes (currently scheduled for May 11, 2023), P-EBT eligibility will also end.
Although issuances may occur after the emergency period, eligibility will no longer continue.
The Family and Social Services Administration actively commits to supporting families during the emergency period by issuing P-EBT benefits.
How Will I Receive P-EBT Benefits?
The P-EBT card issued in 2021 or later will receive all benefits.
If your child becomes eligible for the 2022/2023 school year, regardless of their past eligibility status, we will issue a new card and load benefits onto it.
What should I do if I lose or have my card stolen?
Once you activate your P-EBT card, if you lose or have it stolen, you can start the process of obtaining a replacement card by utilizing the address change and card replacement form.
It’s essential to keep your card safe to ensure timely access to future benefits.
Is This Program Available for Homeschooled or Virtual Students in Summer 2023?
No, federal legislation prohibits the provision of Summer P-EBT benefits for homeschool or virtual students in 2023.
This benefit is exclusively for students who attended schools that participated in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
What Is the Benefit Amount for Summer 2023 P-EBT?
The benefit amount for Summer 2023 P-EBT is $120 per eligible child.
This benefit aims to support families during the summer period and ensure that children have access to nutritious meals.
How do I check my Indiana P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-877-768-5098 (M-F from 6am to 8pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Indiana
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Indiana Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Indiana Summer P-EBT benefits aim to provide additional support to families with school-age children during the summer months.
Households that meet the eligibility criteria will automatically receive these benefits, and there is no need for them to apply.
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 Indiana was helpful.
If you have further questions about Indiana 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:
