The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program has been a vital source of support for families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter the final phase of this program, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE) are gearing up for P-EBT 4.0, the fourth and final round of benefits. Let’s dive into the details of what you need to know about the 2023 California P-EBT 4.0 benefits, including frequently asked questions.
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Table of Contents
- Who is Eligible for 2023 California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits?
- Do I need to apply for California P-EBT 4.0?
- When will the 2023 California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits be Distributed?
- How Much will my Child Receive in California P-EBT 4.0?
- 2023 California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- How Do I check my California P-EBT Card Balance?
- Summary – California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits
Who is Eligible for 2023 California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits?
P-EBT 4.0 benefits are designed to provide assistance to school-aged children and young children under six during the 2022-23 school year.
Eligibility varies based on the type of school the student attended:
Young Children Under Age 6
Children under age 6 are eligible if they:
- Were under age 6 as of August 1, 2022.
- Received CalFresh food benefits at least once from August 2022 through May 2023.
Young children will receive up to $36 per month for each month they received CalFresh food benefits during the school year.
School-Age Children
Eligibility requirements for school-age children depend on the type of school they attended:
- NSLP/SBP Participating Schools
- No application required for students in public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
- Automatic issuance of P-EBT benefits for students who meet specific free and reduced-price eligibility requirements or attended schools under certain provisions.
- Non-NSLP/SBP Participating Schools
- Students attending private, nonpublic, virtual, or homeschools, or those who did not attend a school participating in NSLP/SBP, need to apply for eligibility.
- Application window between July 21, 2023, and August 15, 2023.
Alert: 2024 Summer EBT announced! Get Details.
Do I need to apply for California P-EBT 4.0?
If your child attended a public school participating in NSLP/SBP, no application is necessary, and benefits will be automatically issued to eligible students.
However, for students attending non-NSLP/SBP schools, an application process is required.
Make sure to gather the required eligibility information and documentation before applying.
When will the 2023 California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits be Distributed?
P-EBT cards for school-aged children will start mailing out in August 2023 for those who were eligible from August 2022 to May 2023.
Cards for young children under 6 will also be mailed in August for those eligible from August to December 2022.
The cards will be reloaded in September 2023 for young children eligible from January to August 2023.
How Much will my Child Receive in California P-EBT 4.0?
The benefit amount depends on the category your child falls under:
- School-Aged Children (TK-12): They will receive $8.18 for each day they didn’t attend school in person due to COVID-19 during the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, eligible school-aged children will receive $120 for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits.
- Young Children (under 6): Young children will receive benefits for each month they received CalFresh Food benefits from August 2022 through May 2023. The amount varies based on Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal claim reductions during the school year, with eligible young children receiving up to $36 per month.
2023 California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits.
What exactly is the P-EBT program?
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is a federal initiative aimed at providing essential food benefits to families and children in response to school and childcare closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This program, operated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE), helps replace in-person school meals that children might have missed.
Is California getting PEBT 2023?
Yes. P-EBT 4.0 is the fourth and final version of the P-EBT program following the expiration of the federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023.
The P-EBT cards are expected to mail beginning August through September 2023.
Who qualifies for P-EBT 4.0 benefits in 2023?
Eligibility criteria for P-EBT 4.0 benefits depend on the age of the child and the type of school they attended.
Young children under the age of 6 are eligible if they were part of a household receiving CalFresh food benefits between August 2022 and May 2023.
School-age children attending different types of schools, whether participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or not, have varying eligibility requirements.
Do I need to go through an application process to receive P-EBT benefits?
The application process varies depending on the type of school your child attended during the 2022-23 school year.
If your child attended a public school participating in the NSLP or SBP, no application is required; benefits will be automatically issued based on eligibility.
However, for students attending private, nonpublic, virtual, or homeschools, or those who did not attend NSLP/SBP schools, an application is necessary.
What is the timeline for applying for P-EBT 4.0 benefits?
The application window for students who need to apply for P-EBT benefits due to attending non-NSLP/SBP schools is open from July 21 to August 15, 2023.
It’s important to gather all the required eligibility information and documentation before applying during this timeframe.
Will there be additional rounds of P-EBT benefits beyond P-EBT 4.0?
P-EBT 4.0 marks the final round of benefits due to the expiration of the federal Public Health Emergency.
Families who might require food assistance beyond P-EBT 4.0 are encouraged to consider applying for CalFresh Food benefits at www.benefitscal.org.
How and where can I apply for P-EBT benefits?
If your child attended a public school participating in NSLP/SBP, no application is needed.
For non-NSLP/SBP students, an application can be submitted on the official P-EBT website at GetPEBT.org between July 21 and August 15, 2023.
How Do I check my California P-EBT Card Balance?
You can check your California P-EBT Card balance by calling theCustomer Service numberon the back of your card.
We have also provided the number below for your convenience.
California P-EBT Customer Service Number: 1-877-328-9677
The Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After you call, enter your P-EBT card number and you will hear your account balance.
Additionally, you can check the card balance through your last transaction receipt.
What should I do if my P-EBT card expires?
Generally, P-EBT cards cannot be reactivated after they expire.
However, California has received special approval to reissue expired P-EBT 2.0 cards upon client request.
This additional feature is being developed, and more details will be provided. Keep an eye out for updates on this process.
How much will my child receive in P-EBT 4.0 benefits?
The benefit amount varies based on the category your child falls into. School-aged children (TK-12) will receive $8.18 for each day they didn’t attend school in person due to COVID-19 during the 2022-2023 school year.
Additionally, eligible school-aged children will receive $120 for Summer 2023 P-EBT benefits.
Young children under 6 will receive benefits for each month they received CalFresh Food benefits, up to $36 per month.
What can P-EBT benefits be used for?
P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food items, similar to CalFresh benefits.
These benefits are accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and even online retailers like Amazon®. However, prepared or hot foods and restaurant meals are typically not covered.
Will receiving P-EBT benefits impact my family’s immigration status?
No, receiving and using P-EBT benefits does not affect your immigration status or classify you as a public charge.
The program is designed to be safe, and your information is not reported to immigration services.
Summary – California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits
Here’s the bottom line about California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits:
As the P-EBT 4.0 program rolls out, it’s crucial to stay informed about eligibility, application processes, and benefit amounts.
The P-EBT program has been a lifeline for many families during challenging times, and knowing the details of how it works can help ensure you receive the assistance you’re entitled to.
For more information and updates, visit the official P-EBT website at https://ca.p-ebt.org/.
Remember that P-EBT 4.0 benefits must be distributed by September 30, 2023, following the expiration of the federal Public Health Emergency.
If you anticipate needing food benefits beyond the P-EBT program, consider applying for CalFresh Food benefits at GetCalfresh.org,
Questions?
We hope this post on the California P-EBT 4.0 Benefits was helpful.
Want to know when you will receive your Summer 2023 P-EBT Benefits? Check it out here.
If you have further questions about California SNAP or EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about California SNAP and EBT, including:
- 2024 California Food Stamps Increase
- $3,000 Child Tax Credit
- California Inflation Relief Checks – Who is Eligible?
- California P-EBT Extension
- How much will I get in CalFresh?
- CalFresh for SSI/SSP Beneficiaries
- How long will Extra SNAP for California Last?
