This post will provide a detailed guide to Summer 2023 P-EBT for Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will administer P-EBT benefits in the state for Summer 2023.
In this blog post, we will provide information about the 2023 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin Summer P-EBT Benefits?
To be eligible for the Summer P-EBT benefits in 2023, the child must have met the requirements for the 2022-2023 school year, including:
- Being enrolled in a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
- Qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.
- Being on record as qualified with their school district and the state as of June 3, 2023.
However, certain children will not be eligible to receive Summer P-EBT benefits in 2023, including:
- Non-school-age children.
- Students who opted for homeschooling or fully virtual schooling due to COVID-19 concerns.
When will 2023 Wisconsin P-EBT Benefits be Distributed?
The one-time payment of $120 per eligible child will be issued on June 17, 2023.
Benefits will be automatically added to the existing QUEST or P-EBT card for families who already have one.
If you do not have a QUEST or P-EBT card, a new P-EBT card will be mailed to your address on file.
Additionally, once you receive the card, follow the instructions on the back of the card to activate it.
The activated card can be used like a debit card to purchase food.
How Much will my Child Receive in Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the benefit amount, providing $40 per summer month to each eligible child.
The payment will cover the months of June 2023, July 2023, and August 2023, resulting in a total benefit of $120 per child.
2023 Wisconsin Summer P-EBT Benefits FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Summer 2023 P-EBT for Wisconsin:
Do I need to apply for Summer P-EBT for 2023?
No separate application is required to receive Summer P-EBT benefits.
Eligible families will automatically receive benefits if their child meets the eligibility criteria and was qualified as of June 3, 2023.
Can my child receive Summer P-EBT benefits if they were homeschooled or attended virtual school due to COVID-19 concerns during the 2022-2023 school year?
No, children who were homeschooled or enrolled in fully virtual schooling due to COVID-19 concerns during the 2022-2023 school year will not be eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits in 2023.
Instead, eligibility is limited to children who were enrolled in a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and qualified for free or reduced-price meals.
What if my child is not of school-age yet? Are they eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits?
No, non-school-age children are not eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits.
The program is specifically designed to support students whose learning was affected by COVID-19 during the summer months between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.
My child received free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year. Will they automatically receive Summer P-EBT benefits?
Yes, eligible children who received free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year and were on record as qualified with their school district and the state as of June 3, 2023, will automatically receive Summer P-EBT benefits.
Thus, there is no need to apply separately for these benefits.
How will the Summer P-EBT benefits be distributed to eligible families?
The one-time payment of $120 per eligible child will be distributed on June 17, 2023.
Families who already have a QUEST or P-EBT card will have the benefits automatically added to their existing card.
However, for families without an active QUEST card, a new P-EBT card will be mailed to their address on file
Once received, follow the instructions on the back of the card to activate it.
Can I use the Summer P-EBT benefits at any store?
Yes, the Summer P-EBT benefits can be used at any grocery store, convenience store, farmers market, and some online retailers where FoodShare benefits are accepted.
Consequently, this allows families the flexibility to purchase food items from a variety of locations.
What food items can I purchase with the Summer P-EBT benefits?
The Summer P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase a range of food items, including bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and snack foods.
Families are encouraged to check the official website for a detailed list of eligible items.
How long do I have to use the benefits on my P-EBT card?
It is recommended to use the P-EBT card at least once every few months to keep the benefits active.
However, if the card is not used for nine months, any benefits that have been on the account for more than nine months will be removed.
Can I share my P-EBT card with someone else?
No, it is illegal to give or transfer your P-EBT benefits to another person.
The card is meant to be used only by the eligible family to support their child’s nutrition needs.
What if I have questions or need assistance regarding Summer P-EBT benefits?
If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach out to the P-EBT support team by calling 833-431-2224 or emailing [email protected].
They will be able to provide further guidance and support regarding the program.
How do I check my Wisconsin P-EBT Card Balance?
To check the balance on your card, go to the ebtEDGE website or use the ebtEDGE mobile app.
If you lose your card, call QUEST Card Service at 877-415-5164.
Summary – Summer 2023 P-EBT for Wisconsin
Here’s the bottom line about the 2023 Wisconsin Summer P-EBT Benefits:
The 2023 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin was helpful.
If you have further questions about Wisconsin 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: