New York State has recently been approved for a new benefit called Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT. This new benefit provides funds for food purchases to all children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
Quick Facts
- P-EBT will provide benefits to around 2.1 million children across New York who have lost access to free or reduced-price meals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Benefits will be issued automatically – families do not need to apply. Families will receive benefits on a staggered schedule between May and August.
- Families will receive $420 per eligible child as part of their P-EBT benefits. This dollar amount is equivalent to the USDA reimbursement for school breakfast and lunch over the period that school buildings have been closed.
- P-EBT will not impact immigration status or public charge determinations.
- P-EBT benefits can be spent on food purchases at retailers like grocery stores and farmers markets.
NY State Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on P-EBT
- Resources from Hunger Solutions New York
- State hotline for questions and information (staffed 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Friday): 833-452-0096
- State email address for questions and information: otda.sm.eisp.PEBT@otda.ny.gov
NYC-Specific Information
- Informational flyers from New York City in multiple languages
- P-EBT Information from Community Food Advocates in English, Spanish, Korean, Haitian Creole, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), and French
- P-EBT Information from Hunger Free America
Resources for School Food Service Directors
- Information from the State Child Nutrition Program Administration for school food service directors