The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program was established by US Congress in Spring 2020 and is funded through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
P-EBT aimed to assist parents/guardians in purchasing food for their children during school closures due to COVID-19.
It provided support to students who were eligible for free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) for the meals they missed while schools were closed. The funds on the P-EBT cards were designated for food purchases only.
Initially introduced in Pennsylvania as a response to the national public health crisis, P-EBT funds were extended for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. However, the program will come to an end after the 2022-2023 school year following the conclusion of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.
After September 30, 2023, no additional P-EBT benefits, corrections, or replacement cards will be issued due to the end of the PHE.
If you receive a new P-EBT card, you must activate it by following these steps:
- Call the Pennsylvania EBT hotline using the number on the back of the card.
- Enter the full number displayed on the front of the card when prompted.
- Choose the P-EBT option when asked if you are activating a P-EBT or regular EBT card.
- Enter the last four digits of your zip code when prompted.
- Provide the date of birth for the child whose name appears on the card in MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Select a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the card. Avoid using repetitive or sequential numbers.
- Confirm your PIN number.
- Once successfully activated, the automated voice will inform you that the card is active and end the call.
It has to be noted that once your P-EBT card is activated, it can be used at authorized stores displaying an EBT sticker. Most grocery and convenience stores accept EBT and P-EBT cards.