Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) is now being issued for the 2020-2021 school year. This page provides messages and resources to help schools and organizations promote P-EBT to families.
Toolkit Resources
Quick Facts for School Districts
- Data provided by schools determine student benefits; there is no application process or action needed on behalf of students/families to receive P-EBT. Read the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) memo providing guidance to school districts on data collection for the purposes of P-EBT benefits.
- NSLP schools: Students who got P-EBT in the past or are eligible to receive free and reduced-price school meals and whose in-person school attendance was reduced due to COVID-19 will receive a P-EBT benefit.
- CEP Schools: All students in your school whose in-person school attendance was reduced due to COVID-19 will receive a P-EBT benefit.
- Non-public schools: Eligible children will receive benefits in one payment instead of 2, beginning in September 2021 (timing subject to change).
Important Talking Points
- Benefits are being issued as quickly as possible, but timelines are subject to change. Please encourage families to be patient and check the issuing status for their school here.
- P-EBT does not take the place of school meals or other federal nutrition programs, including SNAP, WIC, summer meals, or meals in child care and afterschool programs.
- Immigration status does not matter for P-EBT. Receiving or using P-EBT does not affect immigration status. The public charge test does not apply to P-EBT.
- There is no application for P-EBT. Children who are certified for free or reduced-price meals and were learning remotely will receive benefits automatically.
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