This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Louisiana. 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 Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Louisiana Summer P-EBT benefits, including eligibility criteria, application process, distribution timeline, and the amount of 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).
Summer 2023 P-EBT for Louisiana
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Louisiana’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 Louisiana Summer P-EBT Benefits?
Eligibility for the 2023 Louisiana Summer P-EBT benefits is based on the following criteria:
- Children who qualified for free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program in May 2023.
OR
- Children who attended a school under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), where all children receive free meals regardless of family income, in May 2023.
It’s important to note that children in childcare, homeschool, and non-NSLP virtual schools will not qualify for Summer 2023 benefits.
When will 2023 Louisiana P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
Summer P-EBT benefits for 2023 started going out in late summer.
The distribution of benefits is dependent on schools submitting students’ information to the DCFS.
If you have more than one child, the benefits will arrive based on when each child’s school submits the information to DCFS, so issuance dates for each child may vary.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible child will receive a single payment of $120 to cover both June and July 2023.
This amount is meant to help families provide essential nutrition support during the summer months.
2023 Louisiana Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Louisiana:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, there is no need to apply for the Summer P-EBT benefits.
Eligible students’ schools will provide the necessary information to the DCFS, and benefits will be issued automatically based on the submission of student eligibility information by schools.
How do I know if my child is eligible for the 2023 Louisiana Summer P-EBT benefits?
Your child is eligible for the 2023 Summer P-EBT benefits if they qualified for free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program in May 2023.
Additionally, if your child attended a school under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) where all children receive free meals regardless of family income in May 2023, they are also eligible for the benefits.
How will I receive the Summer P-EBT benefits for my child?
You do not need to apply for Summer P-EBT benefits.
The benefits will be issued on Louisiana Purchase EBT cards.
Each eligible child will have a separate P-EBT card issued in their name, which will be mailed to the address provided by their school.
My child received P-EBT for the 2021-22 school year. Will the benefits be issued on the same card?
Yes, if your child received P-EBT for the previous school year, the benefits for the 2022-23 school year will be issued on the same card.
It is important to keep the card, as any future benefits for which the child is eligible will also be loaded onto the same card.
What if my child is eligible but did not receive P-EBT for the 2021-22 school year?
If your child is eligible for P-EBT for the 2022-23 school year but did not receive benefits for the previous year, a new card will be issued in the student’s name.
Please ensure that your child’s school has submitted their information to DCFS for processing.
How do I activate my child’s P-EBT card?
To activate the P-EBT card, use the Local Student ID or activation number, not SSN.
Find the ID on the report card, student ID, grades portal, or IEP record.
If you cannot find the Local Student ID, please contact your child’s school for assistance.
What should I do if I have trouble activating my child’s P-EBT card?
If you encounter issues while activating your child’s P-EBT card, you can find additional troubleshooting tips on the P-EBT website at http://www.pebt-la.org.
Can I use the P-EBT card to buy food online?
As of now, online shopping is not allowed for Louisiana P-EBT benefits.
The state is working on implementing online SNAP purchases in the near future, but currently, the card can be used at any retailer in the United States that accepts SNAP EBT cards.
Are P-EBT benefits transferable? Can I give away or sell my card?
No, P-EBT benefits are non-transferable.
It is illegal to sell, trade, or give away your P-EBT benefits, PIN, or Louisiana EBT card.
Any unauthorized use or intentional program violations may result in disqualification from SNAP benefits and the need to repay any unauthorized P-EBT benefits issued.
What do I do if my child’s P-EBT card is lost or stolen?
If your child’s P-EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the EBT Customer Service Center at 1-888-997-1117 and report the issue.
You can request a replacement card, which will be mailed to your address on file.
How long can I use my child’s P-EBT benefits?
Federal food assistance benefits, including P-EBT, have a 9-month time limit for use.
If the benefits have not been used within 9 months from the date of issuance or the date of the last purchase, they will be removed from the card.
However, the card and the case remain active, and any future benefits will be added to the card with the same 9-month time limit.
How do I check my Louisiana P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-888-997-1117 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Louisiana
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Louisiana Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Louisiana Summer P-EBT benefits aim to provide additional support to families with school-age children during the summer months.
Eligible households receive automatic benefits.
Students meeting criteria get $120 per child to ease summer food expenses.
For more information or assistance, households can contact the P-EBT Helpline.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for Louisiana was helpful.
If you have further questions about Louisiana 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:
