This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Vermont. 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 Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Vermont 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 Vermont
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Vermont’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 Vermont Summer P-EBT Benefits?
All Vermont public school students and some independent school students are eligible for the 2023 Summer P-EBT Benefits.
This includes Pre-K students at participating schools.
Thanks to a recent state law requiring public schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to students, all students in Vermont public schools, and some at independent schools, will receive this summer’s federal benefit cards.
When will 2023 Vermont P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The summer P-EBT benefits are expected to be distributed in August.
Families should receive the prepaid electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card containing the funds during this time.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible child will receive $120 on their prepaid EBT card.
The funds can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and convenience stores.
2023 Vermont Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Vermont:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, there is no need to apply for the Summer P-EBT benefits.
Eligibility for the benefits is determined based on enrollment in participating schools that offer free breakfast and lunch to students.
What is P-EBT?
P-EBT stands for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer.
It is a temporary food benefit approved by the federal government to help households affected by COVID-19-related school closures and school absences.
Who is eligible for P-EBT benefits?
Vermont households with students who would normally receive free or reduced-price meals at school under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) are eligible.
Benefits are available for a month if the student had an excused COVID-19-related absence during that month, and the student’s school has been qualified for P-EBT.
What about universal school meals in Vermont? Does this impact P-EBT eligibility?
Yes, Vermont has implemented universal school meals, which means that every public school in Vermont and some independent schools are participating in the National School Lunch Program.
As a result, all students in these schools who miss school for a COVID-19-related reason will receive a P-EBT benefit for the days they missed.
Independent schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and charging households for school meals will only provide the benefit to students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Do snow days or other non-COVID-related school closures qualify for P-EBT benefits?
No, only school closures for COVID-19-related reasons count for P-EBT benefits.
How do I find out if my household is eligible?
Your student’s school will determine whether your student is eligible based on criteria provided by the State of Vermont.
The school may contact you to ensure they have the correct information on file.
If you are eligible, you will receive a letter from the Department for Children and Families (DCF) explaining how and when you will receive the benefit.
I received a P-EBT card last school year (2022-2023), but I no longer have it. Is that a problem?
You can request a replacement card from DCF.
Instructions for obtaining a new card will be included in the benefit notice letters.
Are summer P-EBT benefits available this year?
Yes, summer P-EBT benefits are available as an extension of P-EBT benefits for school children over the summer.
The law authorizing the payment of P-EBT benefits to children attending school in person allows for summer P-EBT benefits to be paid this summer even though the federal public health emergency ends on May 11, 2023.
Who is eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits?
Vermont households with students who were eligible during the 2022-2023 school year and who were enrolled in a Vermont school as of May.
Eligible students qualify for free/reduced meals or attend schools offering free breakfast/lunch via Provision 2 or CEP.
Home study and certain non-participating schools aren’t eligible for Summer P-EBT.
How do I check my Vermont P-EBT Card Balance?
Call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-800-914-8605 (M-F from 6am to 8pm) to check your balance.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Vermont
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Vermont Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Vermont 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.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for Vermont was helpful.
If you have further questions about Vermont 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: