Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is a federal program that was created in the spring of 2020 to supplement existing nutrition programs for low-income households while schools were closed due to COVID-19.
The federal P-EBT program will operate under new eligibility guidelines for the current school year and benefits will only be issued on a case-by-case basis to students who meet specific criteria, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
What does this mean for Virginia?
Eligibility for P-EBT benefits for School Year 2021-2022 are listed below. Note: the school the student attends must first be deemed eligible before the student may become eligible. A significant decrease in P-EBT eligible students is anticipated.
A school is eligible for P-EBT if the following conditions are met :
The school was closed or operating at reduced hours or reduced attendance for five (5) consecutive days in one month because of a COVID related issue,
AND the school participates in the National School Lunch Program.
A student is eligible for P-EBT benefits if the following conditions are met:
The student attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and meets P-EBT school eligibility requirements,
AND the student qualifies for free or reduced-priced meals or attends a CEP school,
AND the student was absent from school during the month because of a documented COVID-19 related issue.
The first issuance will begin on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
Questions or concerns about the P-EBT program should be directed to the Virginia Department of Social Services at: (866) 513-1414 or (804) 294-1633 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. You may also contact VDSS through the online P-EBT inquiry form.
For households that have lost or discarded the previous P-EBT card, contact ConnectEBT at (866) 281-2448.
For additional assistance investigating RCPS student eligibility for
P-EBT please click form here.