Pandemic EBT

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Frequently Asked Questions for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Food Benefits

Answers to many commonly asked questions about the P-EBT food benefits for New York State residents for the 2021-22 school year, Summer 2022, and Summer 2023.

Eligibility

Using Your P-EBT Food Benefits

General Information

Eligibility

What are P-EBT food benefits?

The Continuing Appropriations Act of 2021 and Other Extensions Act reauthorized the payment of P-EBT food benefits to households with children who would have received free school meals under the National School Lunch Act, if not for a reduction in in-person learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These temporary food benefits were provided to help cover the cost of meals children would have otherwise received at school during the 2021-22 school year, and for the Summer 2022 and Summer 2023 periods.

While P-EBT food benefits are not SNAP benefits, they can only be used to purchase the same food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. A detailed list of food items that may be purchased with food benefits can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items/.

When will my eligible child receive P-EBT food benefits?

All P-EBT food benefits for eligible children have been issued.

Using Your P-EBT Food Benefits

How do I access P-EBT food benefits if they are on a P-EBT Food Benefit card?

To access your P-EBT food benefits using a P-EBT Food Benefit card, you must have a Personal Identification Number (PIN). It is important that you follow the directions for selecting a PIN to be able to access your food benefits.

Example of a P-EBT card. All P-EBT cards will have an ID number with the letter "I" in the first or second position. All P-EBT cards will have a 01/01/1900 DOB.

IMPORTANT: Please be sure to hold on to your P-EBT Food Benefit card in the event that additional food benefits are issued to your child in the future.

Protect your benefits by changing your PIN often, and never give your EBT card number or PIN to anyone. To learn more about protecting your benefits from theft, visit the EBT Scam Alert webpage and view the Act Fast EBT Skimming Video.

How do I order a replacement P-EBT Food Benefit card?

Replacement P-EBT Food Benefit cards should only be requested when the previously issued card has been lost, stolen or damaged.

  • You can order a replacement P-EBT Food Benefit card by calling 1-888-328-6399. Please be prepared to provide security information, including the 19-digit card number that was printed on the front of the P-EBT Food Benefit card you are replacing.
    • If you do not have that number, you will be asked for the cardholder's Social Security number; however, when ordering a replacement P-EBT Food Benefit card (and only when ordering a P-EBT Food Benefit card), you must enter 999-99 and then the 2-digit month and 2-digit day (MM/DD) of the cardholder's birthday.
      For example, if your child's date of birth is July 4, you would enter 999-99-0704 when asked for the child's Social Security number.
  • You will then be asked to verify the cardholder's 8-digit birthday (MM/DD/YYYY) and to enter the 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) you selected for the P-EBT Food Benefit card that you are replacing. If you did not previously create a PIN, you will still be able to order a replacement card by following the prompts.
  • If you have recently moved, please contact the P-EBT food benefits Helpline at 1-833-452-0096 to order a replacement P-EBT Food Benefit card to your new address.
Do P-EBT food benefits expire?

P-EBT food benefits will remain available and accessible on your EBT or P-EBT Food Benefit card for 274 days from the date they were issued. You can check your family's P-EBT food benefit balance by visiting www.connectebt.com or by calling 1-888-328-6399.

How do I use a P-EBT Food Benefit card (or EBT card)?

A P-EBT Food Benefit card (or EBT card) looks and is used like a bank debit card to buy food at authorized retail food stores. For more information on how to use an EBT card visit: https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/.

To find authorized retail food stores near you, the SNAP Retailer Locator can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator.

Protect your benefits by changing your PIN often, and never give your EBT card number or PIN to anyone. To learn more about protecting your benefits from theft, visit the EBT Scam Alert webpage and view the Act Fast EBT Skimming Video.

What can I purchase with my child's P-EBT food benefits?

While P-EBT food benefits are not SNAP benefits, they can only be used to purchase the same food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits at authorized retail food stores. A detailed list of food items that may be purchased with food benefits can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items/.

General Information

Should I contact my local department of social services if I have questions about P-EBT food benefits?

No. P-EBT food benefits are being issued by OTDA. They are not SNAP benefits, and your local department of social services has no information about your eligibility for these benefits.

What if my child received P-EBT food benefits but we don't need them?

USDA has advised that P-EBT food benefits are not transferable and cannot be donated. P-EBT food benefits are intended for you to use to buy food for you and your child. USDA advises that if you and your family have received a P-EBT Food Benefit card and do not want to use the benefits to buy food, you should dispose of the card by cutting through the magnetic stripe on the card or shredding the card and discarding it in a secure manner.

In most communities, there are a number of nonprofit organizations that accept donations—including donations of non-perishable food items and/or donations of money they can use to buy food—to help those in your community who do not have enough food. For more information please visit www.feedingnys.org/need-food or https://map.thefoodpantries.org/ to locate food pantries in your area.

Are there other food benefits or programs that can help my family?

Yes. If your family does not already receive SNAP, you can see if you may be eligible and apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and children under age 5 receiving SNAP may automatically qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Visit health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/ and click on the Wanda icon to learn more and connect with a WIC agency near you.

Coupons to purchase more fruits and vegetables with your SNAP benefits are available throughout the state. Learn more and see if your local farmers market or food store participate by visiting FreshConnect, Double Up Food Bucks and NYC Health Bucks.

If you need more help with food, visit www.feedingnys.org/need-food or https://map.thefoodpantries.org/ to locate food pantries in your area.

To find a location where you can pick up free meals for your child:

  • Visit the USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder at www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids.
  • Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
  • Call 211 for New York State Residents
  • Call 311 if you live in New York City

For other resources in addition to food support, please visit:

Where do I go if I have more questions about P-EBT food benefits?

If you have questions, you may call the P-EBT food benefits Helpline: 1-833-452-0096.

Last updated: April 12, 2024

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