Contact: Johanna Elsemore at jelsemore@strength.org
UPDATE, JULY 28: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has extended the application deadline for P-EBT. Families now have until August 21st to apply.
Austin, TX– Texans have until June 30th to apply for Pandemic EBT, a new one-time benefit that can help eligible families afford healthy food during the coronavirus pandemic. All families with children who were certified for free or reduced-price school meals during the last school year, and children who attend schools that offer free meals to all students, are eligible for P-EBT.
In Texas, nearly 2.7 million kids rely on the free and reduced-price meals they receive at school. P-EBT ensures these students don’t lose access to an important source of nutrition while schools are closed by providing the value of school breakfasts and lunches – about $5.70 a day – on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that can be used at grocery stores.
“Pandemic EBT can help families stretch their grocery budgets and keep kids nourished during these difficult times,” said No Kid Hungry Texas Senior Manager Franco Cruz. “That way when school starts back up this fall – whatever that looks like – kids are healthy and ready to learn.”
Schools emailed the application link to parents in early June. Those who did not receive an application link or need help filling out the P-EBT application, can contact the P-EBT Call Center at 833-613-6220 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Receiving P-EBT benefits does not impact a parent or child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT benefits.
For more information, visit http://hhs.texas.gov/pebt.