Federal legislation enacted during the COVID-19 crisis made it possible for states to provide extra funding to students who lost access to free school meals during the pandemic. P-EBT benefits are not the same as SNAP benefits, however they are distributed via an individual’s EBT card (when applicable) and can be used to access the same eligible food items.
Benefit distribution for the 2020-21 school year (last year) – in one lump sum — for the Rochester region is expected to happen in September.
- If you have questions, you can call the P-EBT Food Benefits Helpline at: 1-833-452-0096, or fill out the state’s P-EBT Information Form.
- You can also learn more via the state’s P-EBT FAQ page.
- Search your school district! Learn to see when benefits will roll out in your community by visiting the state’s website to see if benefits for your child are “pending,” “in review” or “Issuing.”
Check out the brief FAQ and links below to learn more information and ensure you are not missing out on these critical benefits!
- What is P-EBT?
Temporary food benefits to help cover the costs of meals children would have otherwise received during the 2020-21 school year. - Who’s eligible?
Children who normally receive school meals, but did not due to reduced in-school attendance. - How do I get it?
Eligible families who already have an EBT card will automatically receive additional funds. Eligible families without an EBT card will have a card mailed to them.
