This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Ohio. 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 Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) 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 Ohio 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 Ohio
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Ohio’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 Ohio Summer P-EBT Benefits?
All children who were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2023 school year are eligible to receive Summer P-EBT benefits.
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) have partnered to ensure that eligible Ohio school children receive this benefit.
When will 2023 Ohio P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer.
The benefits will be issued by the end of June.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Eligible Ohio households will receive a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child for the summer.
This payment will help families supplement their food budget during the summer months.
Permanent Summer Solutions on the Horizon
With the end of certain pandemic-era relief programs, many Ohio residents are feeling the impact of reduced benefits.
However, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 established a permanent Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program (Summer EBT) starting in 2024.
This program aims to provide meals to low-income children during their summer break, helping families cope with the increased cost of living and food.
2023 Ohio Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Ohio:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
If your child was eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2023 school year and actively enrolled in their school district at the end of the school year, you do not need to apply for Summer P-EBT benefits.
The school districts have submitted information to the state for all eligible students.
Who is eligible for the 2023 Ohio Summer P-EBT Benefits?
All children who were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2023 school year are eligible to receive Summer P-EBT benefits.
Eligibility is based on participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and includes all students at Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Provision 2 eligible schools.
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, if your child was eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2023 school year and actively enrolled in their school district at the end of the school year, you do not need to apply for Summer P-EBT benefits.
The school districts have already submitted information to the state for all eligible students.
When will the 2023 Ohio Summer P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The 2023 Ohio Summer P-EBT benefits will be issued in one payment by the end of June.
The payment will cover the entire summer period.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer.
This payment will help families supplement their food budget during the summer months.
Can children under 6 in SNAP households receive the Summer P-EBT benefit in 2023?
No, children under 6 in SNAP households will not be eligible for the one-time Summer P-EBT benefit in 2023.
Can virtual and homeschool students receive the Summer P-EBT benefit in 2023?
No, virtual and homeschool students will not be eligible for the one-time Summer P-EBT benefit in 2023.
However, for the 2022-2023 school year, children currently enrolled in virtual schools or homeschooled can meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for P-EBT benefits for the school year.
How will eligible Ohio households receive the Summer P-EBT benefit in 2023?
Eligible households will receive the summer P-EBT benefit in one payment.
Students matched with a current SNAP household will have their benefits issued directly to their SNAP account.
Students not matched to a current SNAP household will receive benefits on a separate P-EBT card.
How were children identified as eligible for Summer P-EBT in Ohio?
To determine which children were eligible for Summer P-EBT in Ohio, here’s what you can expect:
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE), Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), and the Management Council of Ohio collaborated to identify children who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Schools collected NSLP applications through the end of their school year, determined eligibility, and submitted student data to ODJFS for summer P-EBT benefits processing.
Will there be other opportunities to receive P-EBT benefits after the 2023 Summer P-EBT program?
Starting in 2024, Ohio will implement a permanent Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program (Summer EBT) to provide meals to low-income children during their summer break.
Summer EBT will continue to offer assistance to eligible households, providing $40 per month for every eligible child during the summer months, starting in 2024.
Is there a customer service line for Summer P-EBT questions and concerns?
Yes, for any questions or concerns regarding Summer P-EBT, you can refer to the Q&A document developed by ODJFS and ODE.
Additionally, the P-EBT customer service line (1-866-244-0071, Option 1) is available for support until at least September 2023.
How do I check my Ohio P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-866-386-3071 (M-F from 6am to 8pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Ohio
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Ohio Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Ohio 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 Ohio was helpful.
If you have further questions about Ohio 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: