This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Kentucky. 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 Kentucky Department for Community Based Services offices (DCBS) administers the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Kentucky Summer P-EBT benefits.
This includes eligibility criteria, application process, distribution timeline, and the amount of benefits. Let’s dive in!
Additionally, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the 2023 summer P-EBT benefits.
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 childcare 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 Kentucky
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Kentucky’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 Kentucky Summer P-EBT Benefits?
To qualify for the 2023 Kentucky Summer P-EBT benefits, children must have been enrolled in a Kentucky school during the 2022-2023 school year and meet one of the following requirements:
- Current SNAP recipients who are students.
- Students who attend a Community Eligibility Program (CEP) school.
- Students who receive free or reduced lunch at school.
It’s important to note that eligibility for Summer P-EBT payments requires applying for free and reduced school meals by May 31st.
When will 2023 Kentucky P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The 2023 Kentucky Summer P-EBT benefits will be distributed onto existing Pandemic or SNAP EBT cards by the end of September.
Families who are newly eligible for the program will receive a P-EBT card by mail at the address on file with their child’s school.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible child will receive $120 in Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits.
These funds aim to provide additional support to families for the period between June 1 and August 31, 2023.
2023 Kentucky Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Kentucky:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, eligible families do not need to apply for the 2023 Kentucky Summer P-EBT benefits.
Students who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year and were enrolled during the last calendar month of the school year will automatically receive the Summer P-EBT benefits.
How can I get help with P-EBT?
If you need assistance with P-EBT, you can call the toll-free number (855) 306-8959 and select the Healthcare and Food Benefits option.
A representative will be able to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding P-EBT.
What if I need a P-EBT card or need a replacement for a lost P-EBT card?
If your address has changed since you last received a P-EBT card, here’s what you should do:
Call the help desk toll-free at (855) 306-8959 to request a new or replacement card.
They will guide you through the process of updating your address and ensure that a new card is mailed to your current address.
However, if your address hasn’t changed, you can call the automated line toll-free at (888) 979-9949 to request a replacement card.
Is the P-EBT a public assistance program?
No, the P-EBT is not considered a public assistance program.
It is designed to help reimburse families for the unexpected new expense of meals at home for students who would have received free or reduced-price meals at school through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Can I still pick up meals at school while receiving the P-EBT?
Yes, households with students at schools distributing meals can still receive the Kentucky P-EBT benefits and also pick up meals from schools if they are offered.
The P-EBT benefits are meant to provide additional support but do not restrict families from accessing other food resources available through schools.
Is the P-EBT the same as SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps)?
No, the P-EBT program is separate from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which was formerly known as Food Stamps.
P-EBT specifically addresses the meals missed during school closures.
On the other hand, Kentucky SNAP provides ongoing assistance for low-income individuals and families to purchase food.
Are homeschooled children eligible?
No, only children who are enrolled in a public or private school where they receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) are eligible for the P-EBT.
Homeschool children are not included in this eligibility criteria.
If you require additional information or have specific concerns, contact the DCBS directly for assistance.
How do I check my Kentucky P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at (855) 306-8959 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Can I get Food Stamps if my children are getting P-EBT?
Yes. If you received P-EBT, you may be eligible for SNAP!
Below is the income limit and amount of food stamps benefits you may receive based on your household size.
| Kentucky SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2023 | ||
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | ||
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income (200% of FPL) | Monthly Net Income (100% of FPL) |
| 1 | $2,266 | $1,133 |
| 2 | $3,052 | $1,526 |
| 3 | $3,839 | $1,920 |
| 4 | $4,625 | $2,313 |
| 5 | $5,412 | $2,706 |
| 6 | $6,199 | $3,100 |
| 7 | $6,985 | $3,493 |
| 8 | $7,772 | $3,886 |
| Each Additional Household Member: Add | $787 | $394 |
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Kentucky
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Kentucky Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Kentucky Summer P-EBT benefits aim to provide additional support to families with school-age children during the summer months.
Also, 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 at (855) 306-8959.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for Kentucky was helpful.
If you have further questions about Kentucky 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: