Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) provides nutrition benefits to families who have lost access to free or reduced-price school meals because schools are
closed. Eligible students and families will receive money on a new or existing EBT card to help fill the school meals gap. The average benefit will be approximately $365.

All families with school aged children (K-12) who qualify for free or reduced price school meals under the National School Lunch Program. This includes ALL students currently enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia and select charter schools.

All schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) have students eligible for P-EBT.

If your child is enrolled in a K-12 School District of Philadelphia, brick and mortar school, they are eligible for this benefit regardless of income.

If you already receive SNAP (Food Stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF cash assistance), you will get the P-EBT amount deposited onto your EBT card for each student who is certified for free or reduced-price school meals.

If you do not already have an EBT card, you will receive a card in the mail with instructions on how to use it.

The P-EBT card works like a debit card to purchase food items anywhere EBT benefits are accepted. Click here for a list of what you can buy with P-EBT. Click here to find a list of EBT retailers.

It’s important to have an up-to-date address on file with your school!

Families that have an active EBT card will receive the additional food benefit first. Most other families will start to receive funds in June. During the Covid19 pandemic, please visit the City of Philadelphia’s Food Distribution Map at https://www.phila.gov/food/#/

Additional Resources:
Find a nearby food pantry or food bank
Contact your county assistance office for help finding food resources.

To access all of the P-EBT Frequently Asked Questions, please click on the button below.