Frequently Asked Questions Flyer - Click Here for PDF
What are Pandemic EBT or P-EBT benefits?
Due to COVID-19, children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals will get extra food benefits. These food benefits are called P-EBT. P-EBT benefits help Washington families buy food when schools are closed or have reduced in-person attendance.
Who is eligible?
Children are eligible for P-EBT benefits if:
• Their school is closed or has reduced in-person
attendance hours.
• They are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
How do families apply?
Great news: Families don’t have to apply for the P-EBT Program! If your child is eligible for
free or reduced-price school meals, they may automatically qualify. Families should ensure
their current mailing address is on file with the child’s school and are encouraged to fill out a
school meal application if their child doesn’t get free or reduced-price meals already.
How much will families get?
Benefit amounts vary depending on the learning model of their child’s school for each
given month. The monthly benefit amount will range from $25 to $123. Benefit amounts vary depending on the learning model of their child’s school for each given month. The monthly benefit amount will range from $25 to $123.
What does the P-EBT card look like?
Watch the mail for a card that looks like this! The P-EBT card is separate from and doesn’t replace a food or cash (Quest) EBT card.
When will P-EBT cards arrive?
Eligible children should expect to receive a notice by late March, which will contain more
information. The P-EBT card will be mailed separately in the following weeks.
How are P-EBT cards used?
P-EBT cards can be used like a debit card to buy food in most grocery stores and farmers
markets, or to buy food online at Amazon or Walmart.
Will families get a new P-EBT card each month?
No, families should keep each child’s P-EBT card. The first issuance will include benefits for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year through January 2021. Additional benefits may be issued to the card every two months through the end of the school year for as long as the COVID-19 public health emergency continues.
Visit dshs.wa.gov/PEBT to learn more!
If you need this information in another language,
call the P-EBT Contact Center at 833-518-0282.
Families are encouraged to participate in Grab-n-Go school meals even if they have
P-EBT benefits.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.