P-EBT gives families money on a card to buy food when schools close

P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) is a federal program that puts money onto a card families can use at grocery stores to buy food. The program started during COVID-19 school closures and continues in some states today. When schools close for weather, emergencies, or other reasons, children who normally get free or reduced-price school meals lose access to that food — P-EBT replaces that meal money so families can buy groceries instead.

The money goes onto a card that works like a debit card at any store that takes SNAP (food stamps). You do not have to be on SNAP already to receive P-EBT. The amount depends on how many school days were missed and varies by state and school year.

Key Takeaways

  • P-EBT provides money on a card for groceries when children miss school meals due to closures, and the program is still active in many states.
  • Your child must attend a school where at least half the students get free or reduced-price meals, and the school must have closed or moved to remote learning.
  • The amount of money and how long the program runs depends on your state — some states ended it, while others continue to issue it.
  • You do not need to be on SNAP or any other benefit program to receive P-EBT, though some states automatically send it to families already on SNAP.

Who can receive P-EBT

Your child must go to a school where at least 50 percent of students get free or reduced-price school meals. The school must also have closed or switched to remote learning for at least five consecutive days (some states use different thresholds). If your child's school stayed open for in-person learning, P-EBT does not explore, even if other schools in your district closed.

Children do not have to be U.S. citizens to receive P-EBT. Some states also include children in preschool or Head Start programs if those programs closed. The rules change slightly by state, so check with your state's department of education or SNAP office to see if your child's specific school and situation count.

How much money you get and when

The amount is based on the number of school days missed and the value of one free school meal in your state. If your child missed 10 school days and the meal value is $5, you would receive $50. The exact calculation varies by state and school year.

Money is usually loaded onto a card automatically or mailed to you. Some states send it in waves throughout the school year as closures happen; others issue it all at once at the end of the year. Timing depends on your state's process. The card typically works for one year, though unused money may roll over depending on your state's rules.

How to use the P-EBT card

The card works at any grocery store, supermarket, or food retailer that accepts SNAP. You can buy food items — fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other groceries — but not hot foods, prepared meals, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. The rules are the same as SNAP.

Swipe or insert the card at checkout like a debit card. You will need to enter a PIN, which is usually mailed with the card or set up online. If you lose the card or PIN, contact your state's SNAP office or the customer service number on the back of the card to request a replacement.

Which states still have P-EBT and how to check

P-EBT is not available in every state. Some states ended the program after the federal emergency declaration ended in May 2023. Other states continue to run it using state funds or have brought it back for specific closures. A few states use it only for certain types of closures, like extreme weather.

To learn about your state has P-EBT, contact your state's department of education or your local school district directly — they can tell you whether the program is active and whether your child's school qualifies. You can also call your state's SNAP office (the number is on any SNAP card or online at your state's benefits website).

P-EBT versus school meal programs

P-EBT is separate from the regular free and reduced-price school meal program. If your child gets free meals at school during normal operation, that continues as usual. P-EBT only covers the days when school is closed or remote and your child cannot access those meals.

You do not have to choose between them. If your child is on free school meals and the school closes, P-EBT money is added on top — it does not replace the school meal benefit. The two programs work together to make sure children have food whether school is open or closed.

What happens to unused P-EBT money

Rules about leftover money vary by state. In some states, unused money stays on the card and can be used the next school year. In others, the money expires at the end of the school year or after a set period. Check your state's rules or call the customer service number on your card to find out the expiration date.

Money does not disappear when ready after the important date — most states give you a grace period of a few weeks or months. If you are unsure whether your card still has active funds, you can check the balance online or by calling the number on the back of the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be on SNAP to get P-EBT?

No. P-EBT is separate from SNAP. You can receive P-EBT even if you are not on any other benefit program. Some states automatically send P-EBT to families already on SNAP, while others require you to take an extra step to receive it.

What if my child's school closed for only a few days?

Most states require at least five consecutive school days of closure to trigger P-EBT. If your child's school closed for fewer days, you may not receive P-EBT for that closure. Check your state's specific rules, as some states use different thresholds.

Can I use P-EBT to buy anything at the grocery store?

No. P-EBT works like SNAP — you can buy food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread, but not hot foods, prepared meals, alcohol, or non-food items. The cashier will let you know if an item is not allowed.

What if I did not receive a P-EBT card but think my child should have?

Contact your state's department of education or SNAP office to ask whether your child's school qualifies and whether P-EBT is active in your state. They can also look into whether a card was sent and help you get a replacement if needed.