Families whose children receive free and reduced lunches at school will receive additional food benefits as part of the new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. This benefit will help families impacted by school closings due to COVID-19. Cards will arrive in an unmarked envelope throughout the month of June.
If you have a child in kindergarten through twelfth grade in your household who was receiving free or reduced-price meals while in school, your child is eligible for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a result of the school closure.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS THE CHILD WILL RECEIVE?
The amount of benefits is $5.70 per child for each school day the child was eligible for free or reduced-price meals between March 17, 2020 through May 29, 2020.
HOW CAN I USE THESE BENEFITS?
These benefits can be used to buy food items at grocery stores/retailers that accept the Ohio Direction card (also referred to as an EBT card).
If the child is a current SNAP recipient:
By the end of May, the P-EBT benefits may be added to the account on which the child is active. If the child was unable to be matched to his/her active SNAP account, you will be sent a P-EBT card in the child's name.
If the child is not a current SNAP recipient:
By mid-June you should receive a pre-loaded P-EBT card in the mail. The card will be in the child's name, not the parent/guardian's name. Instructions on how to activate the card will be included.
DO I HAVE TO ACCEPT THE CARD AND USE IT?
No, your participation in the program is voluntary. If you choose not to participate, please dispose of your card by cutting through the magnetic stripe on the card and discard the card in a secure manner. If you do not want the card, you will not be able to redeem the food benefits, nor can you transfer the card to someone else.
If you have any further questions, please contact 1-866-244-0071.