This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Washington. 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 Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will administer the P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Washington 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 Washing 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 Washington
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Washington’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 Washington Summer P-EBT Benefits?
To be eligible for the 2023 Washington Summer P-EBT Benefits, children must meet the following criteria:
- School-aged children: Children must have been actively enrolled in a Washington state school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) in June 2023.
- Eligible for free or reduced-price meals: Children must qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on their family’s income and other eligibility factors.
- Community Eligibility Provision: All students enrolled in schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision are also eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits.
When will 2023 Washington P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The issuance of Summer P-EBT benefits will begin in July 2023 and continue through September 30, 2023.
Families can expect to receive a one-time, lump-sum payment during this period.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 in Summer P-EBT benefits.
This amount is intended to support families during the summer months when children might not have access to school meals.
2023 Washington Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Washington:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No, families do not need to apply for Summer P-EBT benefits.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will automatically determine eligibility based on the child’s enrollment status in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and their participation in the Community Eligibility provision.
How do families apply for Summer P-EBT benefits?
Families do not need to apply separately for Summer P-EBT benefits.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) automatically determines eligibility based on the child’s enrollment status in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and their participation in the Community Eligibility Provision.
However, if you believe your child is eligible but did not receive P-EBT benefits, you can call the P-EBT Contact Center to review your child’s eligibility.
What does “Community Eligibility Provision” mean in the context of Summer P-EBT?
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a program that allows schools or school districts in high-poverty areas to offer free meals to all students without requiring individual applications.
If your child is enrolled in a school that participates in the CEP, they automatically qualify for Summer P-EBT benefits.
Can children under the age of 6 receive Summer P-EBT benefits?
No, Summer P-EBT benefits are specifically for school-aged children who were actively enrolled in a Washington state school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) in June 2023.
Also, Children under the age of 6 do not receive Summer P-EBT benefits.
However, they may qualify for benefits under the P-EBT for Children Under 6 program if they meet the specific eligibility criteria.
How much will eligible children receive in Summer P-EBT benefits?
Each eligible child will receive a one-time, lump sum payment of $120 in Summer P-EBT benefits.
This payment is intended to cover the summer period from July to August 2023 and provide additional support to families during the break from school meals.
When will the Summer P-EBT benefits be available?
The issuance of Summer P-EBT benefits will begin in July 2023 and continue through September 30, 2023.
Eligible families can expect to receive a one-time payment during this period.
How do families access their Summer P-EBT benefits?
Eligible families will receive their Summer P-EBT benefits on a special P-EBT card.
For families who have previously received P-EBT benefits, the new benefits will be deposited onto their existing P-EBT cards.
Newly eligible children will receive a new P-EBT card in the mail.
If a family has lost or misplaced their P-EBT card, they can order a replacement by calling the P-EBT Contact Center at 833-518-0282.
Can P-EBT benefits be used at any grocery store or farmers market?
Yes, here’s what you need to know:
- P-EBT benefits work like a debit card.
- They can be used to buy eligible food items.
- You can use them at most grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
- P-EBT cards are accepted at retailers that take EBT payments.
- This includes online retailers participating in the Online Purchasing Pilot in Washington state.
Can families use P-EBT benefits for SNAP Market Match?
Yes, families can use their P-EBT benefits to get SNAP Market Match.
This program allows families to receive double the amount of food at participating farmers markets, helping them access more fresh and nutritious produce.
What happens if P-EBT benefits are not used promptly?
P-EBT benefits will remain on the card for a maximum of 274 days from the last activity starting from the issuance date.
However, to prevent benefits from expiring, families are encouraged to use the benefits regularly and not let them go unused.
Additionally, any unused P-EBT benefits are removed after 274 days of non-use, and they cannot be replaced once removed.
Can someone else use my child’s P-EBT benefits?
No, P-EBT benefits are non-transferable and can only be used by the eligible child or their designated guardian.
It is essential to protect the P-EBT card and PIN to prevent unauthorized use.
What if I disagree with a P-EBT decision?
If you disagree with a P-EBT decision, you can request a case review through the P-EBT Contact Center.
Most issues can be resolved through this process.
If the P-EBT Contact Center is unable to resolve the issue, the customer can request an administrative hearing.
Are P-EBT benefits subject to public charge rules?
No, P-EBT benefits are not subject to public charge rules.
Receiving P-EBT benefits will not impact an individual’s immigration status or affect their ability to apply for a green card or citizenship.
What if I lost or misplaced my P-EBT card?
If your P-EBT card was lost, stolen, or misplaced, you can request a replacement by calling the P-EBT Contact Center at 833-518-0282.
The replacement card will be sent to the last known address on file.
How do I check my P-EBT card balance?
You can check your P-EBT card balance by calling the EBT vendor, FIS, at 888-328-9271, or by visiting www.ebtEdge.com or using the ebtEdge mobile app.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Washington
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Washington Summer P-EBT Benefits:
First, the 2023 Washington Summer P-EBT benefits aim to provide additional support to families with school-age children during the summer months.
Second, eligible households do not need to apply for these benefits as they will be automatically distributed to students who meet the eligibility criteria.
Additionally, the set benefit amount of $120 per eligible child will help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with providing food during the summer.
Lastly, for more information or assistance, households can contact the P-EBT Helpline.
Questions?
We hope this post on the Summer 2023 P-EBT for Washington was helpful.
Additionally, if you have further questions about Washington 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: