"Q. What is P-EBT?"
"A: Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program designed to provide cash benefits on an EBT card to be used to purchase food. This program is in response to the COVID-19 emergency. The purpose of the program is to provide benefits to children on free and reduced-priced meals who lost access to food due to school closure from March through May 2020.
Q: Who is eligible for P-EBT?"
"A: This program is open to all children regardless of whether they utilized pick up “to-go” meals in their school, community or receive SNAP benefits. Nebraska families are eligible for P-EBT benefits if:
● Children received free or reduced meals during the 2019-2020 school year.
● The school was closed due to COVID-19 emergency.
Q: What is the P-EBT benefit amount?"
"A: The daily benefit amount per child is $5.70 for each school day that school building was closed. Nebraska utilized the average number of school days closed for all Nebraska schools to determine benefits. The benefits by month are: March, $69; April, $126; and May, $86. P-EBT eligible families will receive up to $281 per eligible child.
Q: How will I receive P-EBT benefits?"
"A: Benefits will be added to the SNAP EBT card if a family is currently receiving SNAP. All other households will receive a P-EBT card via the mail on which benefits will be loaded. Your address must be registered with the post office to receive the P-EBT card.
Q: Is there an application process?"
"A: Yes, there is an application process and eligible families will be contacted by their schools. The application is available at
https://cip-dhhs.ne.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=DM3WNPMJN7
Current SNAP households will be automatically processed for P-EBT and do not need to apply. Applications will be validated with Free and Reduced-Price Meal data from the schools. Validated households will have benefits issued.
Q: What information is needed to complete an application?"
"A: Information gathered includes: School attended, Student ID number (if utilized), Child(ren) name, Head of Household name, and mailing address."
"“Helping People Living Better Lives” 6/19/2020 | pg. 1"
"Q: What is the application timeframe?"
"A: Applications will be accepted from June 22, 2020 to July 19, 2020.
Q: When will I receive the benefits?"
"A: Nebraska will disburse P-EBT benefits on July 31 and August 19. The issuance maximum for July is $141, the August issuance maximum is $140.
Q: Will this affect my ability to receive other benefits?"
"A: P-EBT program information will not impact other DHHS benefit programs.
Q: Does this count against me under the public charge rule or affect my immigration status?"
"A: No, it does not. These benefits replace school meals and are for all families that receive free and reduced-priced school meals.
Q: How long will I receive these benefits?"
"A: P-EBT benefits will be issued during the months of July and August. This is a one-time program due to COVID-19 and there will not be any ongoing benefits beyond these two issuances.
Q: How long do I have to spend my P-EBT benefits?"
"A: P-EBT cards will be valid for one year from the date the card is received.
Q: Will I receive benefits for the days my kids have been out of school already?"
"A: Yes, P-EBT program is designed to cover the March 2020 through May 2020 time period. The average number of closed school days by month in Nebraska is used in order to determine benefits.
Q: What can I buy with P-EBT benefits?"
"A: P-EBT benefits are utilized to purchase food items that are also available to the SNAP Program. Your P-EBT benefits can buy food at grocery stores and farmer’s markets that accept SNAP EBT and to purchase groceries online at Amazon and Walmart.
Use your P-EBT card like a debit card:
● Select “EBT.”
● Swipe the card.
● Enter your private PIN number.
Q: What if I have questions or do not have access to internet to complete the application?"
"A: Please contact ACCESSNebraska at 1-800-383-4278. When prompted, you will need to select “other” program questions” and staff will be available to assist."
"“Helping People Living Better Lives” | pg. 2"
"Q: Will there be any locations I can go to for assistance with the application?"
"A: This program is being administered by DHHS and the Department of Education (NDE). DHHS is working with NDE to establish locations with staff available for assistance with the application. These locations will be updated on www.dhhs.ne.gov and you will be contacted by your school if one is available.
Q: What if I do not know my student’s ID number?"
"A: Please contact your school for assistance on obtaining your student’s ID number.
Q: What if I apply, but my information does not match the school information?"
"A: You will be contacted by NDE, DHHS, or your school for clarifying information."
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