This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Iowa. 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 Iowa Department of Education (DE) and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 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 Iowa 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 Iowa Summer P-EBT for 2023.
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 state of Iowa, which had planned to snub $29 million in federal P-EBT food aid, later reversed course.
Summer 2023 P-EBT for Iowa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Iowa’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.
In Iowa, one in every 11 children faces hunger, with 40 percent of households receiving SNAP benefits, according to Feeding America.
Who is Eligible for 2023 Iowa Summer P-EBT Benefits?
The eligibility for Summer P-EBT benefits in Iowa is based on children who attended an NSLP-participating school at the end of the 2022-2023 school year and qualified for free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
This includes children who attended schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision or Special Provisions 2 or 3.
Additionally, children who were directly certified or newly determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year are also eligible.
When will 2023 Iowa P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The P-EBT benefits for Summer 2023 will be issued in one issuance, and the cards will be mailed tentatively between September 14th and 21st, 2023.
It is essential to note that the benefits must be issued by September 30, 2023, due to the expiration of funds after the end of fiscal year 2023.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
For Summer 2023, eligible households in the contiguous U.S. will receive $120 per child.
This means that each eligible child in Iowa will receive $120 in Summer P-EBT benefits.
Households in Alaska will receive $188.
Additionally, households in Hawaii, Guam, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will receive $139 per child.
2023 Iowa Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Iowa:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
Families with eligible children do not need to apply for Summer P-EBT benefits separately.
The Iowa Department of Education (DE) will provide a list of eligible K-12 students who were eligible for free and reduced-price meals through the NSLP in May 2023.
For newly eligible children, the deadline for applications is May 31, 2023. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will automatically receive P-EBT benefits.
Can children younger than 6 receive Summer P-EBT benefits?
Kids under 6 in SNAP households won’t get Summer P-EBT.
Do I need to keep my school meal application process open for the summer?
No, the deadline for applications is May 31, 2023, and only applications received on or before this date will be considered for eligibility.
Also, in May 2023, Iowa DE will furnish a list of qualified K-12 students for NSLP free/reduced meals.
For newly eligible children, their eligibility status will be determined based on applications received on or before May 31, 2023.
What if I don’t receive the P-EBT card or have lost it?
The P-EBT card will be mailed to the household.
If not received or lost, contact the P-EBT hotline from Day #9 for help.
The hotline aids with lost cards and P-EBT issues.
When will the P-EBT benefits be loaded onto the card?
The P-EBT benefits will be loaded onto the card and available to spend as soon as the card is received.
Tentatively, the cards will be mailed between September 14th and 21st, 2023.
It is essential to note that the benefits must be issued by September 30, 2023, as funds will not be available beyond the end of fiscal year 2023.
How do I check my Iowa P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-800-359-5802 (M-F from 6am to 8pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Iowa
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Iowa Summer P-EBT Benefits:
First, the 2023 Iowa Summer P-EBT benefits aim to provide additional support to families with school-age children during the summer months.
Second, eligible households do not need to apply for these benefits as they will be automatically distributed to students who meet the eligibility criteria.
Additionally, 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 Iowa was helpful.
If you have further questions about Iowa 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: