Summer P-EBT: $139 per Child or Youth in Food Purchasing Assistance
What is Summer P-EBT?
Summer P-EBT is a federal program that provides food purchasing assistance for children and youth who are eligible for and enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals.
How do I apply for P-EBT for my child?
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Students who were enrolled in free or reduced-price school lunch (NSLP) or at at a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) on the last day of the 2022-23 school year were AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in Summer P-EBT. Click here for a list of DOE CEP schools and here for a list of Charter and Private CEP schools.
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If your school-aged child is in need and is NOT enrolled in the free or reduced-price school lunch, please apply via EZMealApp.com between July 15 and August 6, 2023 if your child is attending a DOE school. (At "Search for District," type "DOE.") For children attending a NSLP-participating Charter or Private school, please contact your school.
How much will students/children receive? When will they receive it?
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The amount of the Summer P-EBT benefit in 2023 is $139 per student/child.
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Students who were enrolled in free or reduced-price school lunch or at a CEP school on the last day of the 2022-23 school year had Summer P-EBT benefits AUTOMATICALLY loaded to their Hawaiʻi P-EBT accounts on June 28, 2023.
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If a student applies via EZMealApp.com by August 6, 2023, and is determined eligible and enrolled in free or reduced-priced school lunch, Summer P-EBT benefits will be issued on September 12, 2023.
How does it work?
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Eligible students will have their benefits issued to their own Hawaiʻi P-EBT account that is accessible through a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card (white card with black lettering) that they received for previous P-EBT benefits.
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For newly eligible students that did not previously receive P-EBT, they will be mailed separate Hawaiʻi P-EBT cards in the name of each eligible student.
Do I or my child have to be a U.S. citizen to receive P-EBT benefits?
No. These benefits are for all children who are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals or enrolled at a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision. Using P-EBT benefits will NOT affect a parent or child’s immigration status.
Are homeschooled or virtual school students eligible for Summer P-EBT?
The federal P-EBT law does NOT allow states to issue Summer P-EBT benefits to homeschooled children or students of non-NSLP participating virtual schools.
What if I need a replacement card?
If a replacement Hawaiʻi P-EBT card is needed, please call the P-EBT call center at 1-888-975-PEBT(7328) or click the “Contact Us” button at pais-pebt.dhs.hawaii.gov and mention you are requesting a replacement Hawaiʻi P-EBT card.
Where can I call if I have more questions (such as where can I report a change of address)?
You can call the P-EBT call center at 1-888-975-PEBT(7328) or click the “Contact Us” button at pais-pebt.dhs.hawaii.gov. If you need help in another language, the Department of Human Services can get you a free interpreter. Call 1-888-764-7586 to tell them which language you speak.