• Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) from Summer 2023

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    Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) is a program to help you purchase food for your child(ren) who were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP). Summer P-EBT extends benefits during the summer months following a school year during which there was a COVID-19 public health emergency.

    When Do I Receive My Benefits?

    • Summer 2023 P-EBT of $120 per eligible child is expected to be added to your Families First EBT card starting in September.
    • Summer P-EBT benefits are a one-time amount to cover the entire Summer 2023 period.

    School-Age (K-12) Children:

    • Summer P-EBT benefits are approved for school-age children in grades K-12.
    • Summer P-EBT benefits of $120 per eligible child will be added to your Families First card or mailed starting September 2023. If you are not a SNAP recipient, you will get a new card in the mail even if you received P-EBT in the past.
    • Summer P-EBT benefits are a one-time amount to cover the entire Summer 2023 period.

    How Do I Use My Card?

    For most SNAP recipients, benefits will be added to your Families First card. If you are not a SNAP recipient, a P-EBT card, similar to a bank card with a PIN, will be mailed to you.

    To use your P-EBT benefits, you must first activate your card by calling 1-800-997-3333.

    You can use your P-EBT card at any store that accepts SNAP. Look for the SNAP EBT image or visit the Using Your Benefits page on www.NJSNAP.gov for a list of stores. P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food items. However, prepared foods, such as a rotisserie chicken or hot meals, cannot be purchased with these benefits.

    What Do I Need to Know About P-ebt and My Card?

    To use your P-EBT benefits, you must first activate your card by calling 1-800-997-3333.

    • If you forgot your PIN, you can change it or report card issues online at www.NJFamiliesFirst.com, on the ConnectEBT app or by calling New Jersey EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333.
    • If you need a replacement card, contact your county board of social services.  A list with phone numbers and addresses can be found on www.NJSNAP.gov.
    • If you are not interested in using the P-EBT benefits, please destroy your card or mail it to the address on the back of the card.
    • Your P-EBT benefits are non-transferrable, which means they cannot be used by another person.

    How Do I Find My P-ebt Balance?

      • Go to NJFamiliesFirst.com or download the ConnectEBT app in the Apple App or Google Play store to create an account to view your current card balance and transaction history; or,
      • Call New Jersey EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333; or,
      • Check your last store receipt.

    More information about P-EBT can be found in the P-EBT section of www.NJSNAP.gov.

    All Pps Students Enrolled on the Last Day of School in June 2023 Were Submitted by Paterson Public Schools to Receive Benefits.  If You Have Not Received Payment, Please First Call the P-EBT Hotline at 1-833-581-2214.