This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Rhode Island 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 Summer 2023 P-EBT for Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Rhode Island’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 Rhode Island Summer P-EBT Benefits?
Eligibility for this program is tied to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Children who received free or reduced-price lunch through NSLP during the 2022-2023 academic year automatically qualify for Summer P-EBT benefits.
The goal is to ensure that households that depended on school meals throughout the year continue to receive assistance during the summer months.
When will 2023 Rhode Island P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
For the summer of 2023, the P-EBT benefits will be issued as a one-time lump sum in August.
This lump sum of $120 per eligible child will cover the months of July and August, ensuring that families have the resources they need to provide nutritious meals during the summer break.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible child will receive a one-time lump sum of $120 for the months of July and August.
This financial assistance aims to alleviate the burden of providing meals when school is not in session, promoting the well-being and health of children.
2023 Rhode Island Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Rhode Island:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
If your child was already part of the NSLP program and received free or reduced-price lunch, no additional application is required.
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) collaborates with DHS to identify eligible students, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for families to apply separately.
However, if your child might be eligible for reduced-priced meals during the 2023-2024 school year, we recommend submitting a Meal Benefit application by June 30, 2023, to secure eligibility for Summer P-EBT benefits.
You can locate the application on the RI Department of Education (RIDE) website.
What is P-EBT?
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is a unique SNAP benefit for households with school-age children eligible for free or reduced-price NSLP meals.
It’s provided when schools closed or had reduced hours due to COVID-19.
What are Summer P-EBT Benefits?
Summer P-EBT benefits refer to the continuation of P-EBT benefits for the summer months of July and August 2023.
Are summer P-EBT benefits tied to the learning model at my child’s school or childcare facility?
No, all NSLP-participating schools are considered closed for the summer period, and benefits are not related to a child’s school operating status.
What if my child will be newly eligible for reduced-priced meals for the 2023-2024 school year?
If your student could become eligible for the 2023-2024 school year, complete a Meal Benefit application by June 30, 2023, to qualify for Summer P-EBT benefits.
If my child graduates after the 2022–2023 academic year, will they receive P-EBT benefits for the summer of 2022?
Yes, graduating students who got free/reduced lunch at an NSLP school in 2022–2023 will get July-August 2023 P-EBT benefits.
Can I opt out of P-EBT benefits?
Your participation in the program is voluntary.
If you opt-out, securely dispose of your card by cutting through its magnetic stripe and discarding it.
Can I give my P-EBT benefits to someone else?
No, you cannot transfer the card to someone else. Buying or selling P-EBT benefits for cash is illegal and may result in disqualification from the program or penalties.
How do I check my Rhode Island P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-888-979-9939 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Rhode Island
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Rhode Island Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island was helpful.
If you have further questions about Rhode Island 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:
