This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 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 Massachusetts 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 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 Massachusetts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Massachusetts’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 Massachusetts Summer P-EBT Benefits?
K-12 students are eligible for the 2023 Massachusetts Summer P-EBT benefits if they meet either of the following criteria:
- Attended a school where every student receives free meals under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
- Were approved by their school for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) at any point during the pandemic, including the 2022-2023 school year or the summer.
Please note that students who graduated in 2022 or have moved out of Massachusetts, as well as those who attended a virtual academy full-time or were homeschooled during the 2022-2023 school year, are not eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits.
When will 2023 Massachusetts P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
Nearly 500,000 eligible families will receive $120 per student in one summer P-EBT payment on Tuesday, July 25th.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible student will receive a one-time payment of $120 for the 2023 Massachusetts Summer P-EBT benefits.
2023 Massachusetts Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Massachusetts:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, eligible families do not need to apply for the 2023 Massachusetts 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.
I lost my P-EBT card. Can I get a new one (replacement card)?
Yes, you can request a new P-EBT card by visiting the DTA Connect website and following the instructions for the “P-EBT Card Replacement Request.”
I got a P-EBT card in the mail. How do I activate (PIN) it?
To activate (PIN) your P-EBT card, you will need the letter DTA mailed to you with your student’s case number.
If you have lost the letter, here’s what you can do:
Visit the “P-EBT Case and Account Balance Information” page on the DTA Connect website and enter your P-EBT card number to view your student’s case number.
Do I have to activate (PIN) my student’s P-EBT card by a specific date?
While it is encouraged to activate each student’s P-EBT card as soon as it is received, there is no specific deadline to activate or PIN the card.
Do my P-EBT benefits roll over at the end of the month if I don’t use all of them?
Yes, any unused P-EBT benefits will carry over from month to month.
However, benefits that remain unused for over 274 days will be removed from the card.
Where can I use my P-EBT benefits? What can I buy with them?
You can use your P-EBT benefits at any store that accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), including many online retailers.
SNAP-eligible food items can be purchased, except for prepared foods and hot foods.
Will getting P-EBT impact my family’s ‘public charge’ status?
No, using P-EBT benefits does not impact your or your child’s immigration status.
The Public Charge rule does not apply to P-EBT benefits. SNAP benefits are also not counted in a Public Charge test.
Can I participate in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) with my P-EBT benefits?
No, P-EBT benefits are separate from SNAP benefits and cannot be used to receive Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits.
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.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Monthly Maximum SNAP Amount |
| 1 | $2,430 | $281 |
| 2 | $3,287 | $516 |
| 3 | $4,143 | $740 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $939 |
| 5 | $5,857 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $6,713 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $7,570 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $8,427 | $1,691 |
| 9 | +857 for each additional HH member | +211 for each additional HH member |
How do I check my Massachusetts P-EBT Card Balance?
If you have a P-EBT card, you can check your balance by visiting the DTA Connect website and accessing the “P-EBT Case and Balance Information” page.
Alternatively, you can click here to be taken to the page.
You can also call the number on the back of your P-EBT card (800-997-2555).
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Massachusetts
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Massachusetts Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Massachusetts 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 or visit the CDSS P-EBT website.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for Massachusetts was helpful.
If you have further questions about Massachusetts 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: