This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Summer 2023 P-EBT 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 New Hampshire
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved New Hampshire’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 New Hampshire Summer P-EBT Benefits?
The 2023 New Hampshire Summer P-EBT benefits are aimed at supporting families with children who would have received free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Act if not for school closures.
Eligible recipients include children attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools and those directly certified for free school meals.
All children receiving free or reduced-price school meals qualify for P-EBT benefits for the days their schools were closed due to COVID-19.
When will 2023 New Hampshire P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
Due to administrative challenges, New Hampshire plans to release two separate issuances of the Summer P-EBT benefits.
The first issuance will be on November 1, 2023, and the second issuance will be on December 1, 2023.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
The P-EBT benefit amount for eligible families in New Hampshire is $120 per child.
2023 New Hampshire Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for New Hampshire:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
If you receive SNAP benefits and the Department of Education confirms your child’s meal eligibility, you don’t need to apply.
P-EBT benefits will automatically load onto your EBT card.
For those eligible but not receiving SNAP benefits, you can apply online through NH Easy Gateway to Services.
What can I buy with P-EBT benefits?
P-EBT benefits can be used to buy eligible food items anywhere SNAP/EBT cards are accepted.
Eligible food items include dairy products, eggs, meat, cereal, rice, pasta, bread, fresh, frozen, canned, or dried vegetables, and fruit.
For a detailed list of eligible food items, you can visit the USDA’s website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items.
What can I not buy with P-EBT benefits?
P-EBT benefits prohibit purchasing prepared food, hot food, pet food, or vitamins.
These benefits aim to cover meal costs for children who would have had school meals, were it not for pandemic-induced closures.
Where can I use P-EBT benefits?
You can use P-EBT benefits to buy eligible food items anywhere SNAP/EBT cards are accepted.
To find a SNAP/EBT retailer near you, you can visit the USDA’s SNAP retailer locator at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator.
Additionally, participating Farmer’s Markets in New Hampshire also accept P-EBT benefits, where you can purchase locally grown, healthy fruits, and vegetables.
Will I need to pay back my child/children’s P-EBT food benefits?
No, families who receive P-EBT food benefits will not have to pay back the benefits.
The benefits are meant to provide additional support to families during challenging times and do not need to be repaid.
Will receiving P-EBT food benefits impact my family’s ‘public charge’ status?
Receiving P-EBT food benefits will not affect the ‘public charge’ status for non-citizen households.
The benefits are considered a form of temporary food assistance and will not have any negative implications on immigration status.
How do I check my New Hampshire P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-888-997-9777 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for New Hampshire
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 New Hampshire Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire was helpful.
If you have further questions about New Hampshire 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: