This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for South Carolina. 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 South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) administers the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 South Carolina 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 South Carolina
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved South Carolina’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 South Carolina Summer P-EBT Benefits?
To qualify for the 2023 Summer P-EBT benefits, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must have attended a National School Lunch Program (NSLP)-participating school by the end of the 2022-23 school year.
- You should have been approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals under the NSLP or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
This includes students who were approved for free or reduced-price meals in the last month of the 2022-23 school year and those who attended a school that participated in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) during the same period.
Moreover, children who have been newly determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the covered summer period may also be eligible for the program.
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility for the Summer P-EBT program, parents can contact their child’s school to verify it.
When will 2023 South Carolina P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
South Carolina will issue 2023 Summer P-EBT benefits retroactively.
New P-EBT cards are expected to be delivered to eligible students after September 9, 2023.
Due to the high volume of P-EBT cards, delivery times may vary, and families are advised to allow a minimum of 15 business days for card arrival after the mailing date.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
The standard benefit amount for the 2023 Summer P-EBT program is $120 per eligible child.
This amount will be loaded onto the P-EBT card and can be used to purchase eligible food items for the household.
Do I Need to Apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No separate application is required for the 2023 Summer P-EBT benefits.
Eligibility for P-EBT is based on the child’s participation in the National School Lunch Program and the Community Eligibility Provision during the 2022-23 school year.
Students approved for free or reduced meals through meal applications or those attending a CEP school will automatically receive the benefits.
2023 South Carolina Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for South Carolina:
What is Summer K-12 Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)?
Summer K-12 P-EBT is an extension of the Pandemic EBT program.
It is designed to bridge the nutritional gap during the summer months.
This follows a school year affected by a public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 outbreak.
The initiative is managed by both the South Carolina Department of Education and the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Its main goal is to assist families who rely on free or reduced-price school meals.
Who is eligible for Summer K-12 P-EBT?
Eligibility extends to school children who attended a National School Lunch Program (NSLP)-participating school at the end of the 2022-23 academic year.
They must have been approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals.
This includes students who were approved for such meals during the last month of the school year.
It also includes those who attended schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) during the 2022-2023 school year.
Moreover, students who become newly eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the covered summer period are also included in the program.
How long is the covered summer period?
The covered summer period for the 2022-23 school year spans from June 1, 2023, through August 15, 2023.
During this time, eligible students will receive P-EBT benefits to supplement their nutritional needs.
How much is the 2023 Summer K-12 P-EBT benefit amount?
The 2023 Summer K-12 P-EBT benefit amount is set at $120 per eligible child.
This one-time, lump sum payment is loaded onto a P-EBT card and can be used to purchase eligible food items.
How can I verify/update the mailing address for my student’s P-EBT card?
Parents or guardians can easily verify or update the mailing address for their student’s P-EBT card through the P-EBT Address Verification Portal.
Accessible from July 14, 2023, until August 10, 2023, at 5 PM, this portal requires information such as the child’s last name, date of birth, student number, school district, and school attended during the 2022-2023 school year.
Prompt verification is crucial to ensure the card reaches the correct address in a timely manner.
Are 4K students eligible for Summer K-12 P-EBT?
Yes, 4K students attending a CEP school or approved for free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-23 school year are eligible for Summer K-12 P-EBT.
Parents can confirm their child’s eligibility by checking the list of participating schools on the South Carolina Department of Social Services website or contacting the child’s school directly.
What can be purchased with the Summer K-12 P-EBT benefit?
Summer K-12 P-EBT benefits cover a wide range of food items that can be purchased for the household.
These include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, cereals, and ingredients for cooking.
However, there are restrictions on certain items that cannot be purchased using these benefits.
These include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, prepared or hot foods, and non-food items.
When can I expect to receive the Summer K-12 P-EBT card for my child?
For students eligible during the 2022-23 school year, P-EBT cards will be mailed out after September 9, 2023.
Delivery times may vary due to the high volume of cards, and parents should allow at least 15 business days for card arrival after the mailing date.
Cards for newly eligible students (NSLP applications submitted between June 1, 2023, and August 15, 2023) are expected to mail out after October 13, 2023.
What if an eligible child did not receive 2023 Summer K-12 P-EBT benefits?
If a child meets the eligible criteria but did not receive Summer P-EBT benefits, parents should promptly contact the child’s school or school district.
They should verify their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals through direct communication with the school.
It’s important to note that the Department of Social Services (DSS) does not determine eligibility status.
Parents are encouraged to collaborate with the school to address any discrepancies regarding the benefits.
Can I receive my child’s P-EBT benefits faster by calling my county office?
Calling local County DSS offices or the State DSS office will not expedite the processing of P-EBT benefits.
Parents are advised against calling their local DSS County office with P-EBT inquiries.
What should I do if I feel my child should have received 2023 Summer K-12 P-EBT benefits but did not?
If parents believe their child should have received 2023 Summer K-12 P-EBT benefits but did not, they should reach out to the child’s school or school district.
They can verify their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals through direct communication with the school.
It’s important to note that the Department of Social Services (DSS) does not determine eligibility status.
Parents are encouraged to work directly with the school to address any issues regarding the benefits.
What if an eligible household does not want to participate in the Summer K-12 P-EBT program?
Families who receive a P-EBT card but do not wish to participate in the program can simply destroy the card.
P-EBT benefits are non-transferable and should only be used within the household.
When will my Summer K-12 P-EBT benefit expire?
P-EBT benefits expire 274 days after issuance.
It’s crucial for families to utilize the benefits within this period to avoid losing the unused amount.
How do I request a replacement P-EBT card?
To request a replacement P-EBT card or check the balance, parents or guardians can call 1-800-554-5268 (Customer Service) and follow the provided instructions.
It is advised to request a replacement card only if the delivery address is correct and the original card has not been received.
Do Summer K-12 P-EBT benefits replace summer feeding programs or other community feeding programs for children and families?
No, the Summer K-12 P-EBT benefits are not a replacement for other meal programs.
Rather, they are designed to complement existing efforts to ensure children have access to sufficient nutrition during the summer vacation.
How do I check my South Carolina P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1- 800-554-5268 (M-F from 6 am to 8 pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for South Carolina
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 South Carolina Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 South Carolina 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.
They will be automatically distributed to students who meet the eligibility criteria.
The set benefit amount is $120 per eligible child.
This amount 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.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for South Carolina was helpful.
If you have further questions about South Carolina 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:
