Pandemic EBT

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a new program which provides benefits to purchase foods to families who have lost access to free school meals due to COVID-19 related school closures. Benefits are retroactive to when schools initially closed. P-EBT is a federal program and is administered locally by the D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS). Additional details on P-EBT can be found on the Food Research & Action Network’s P-EBT webpage.

P-EBT was extended and expanded in the most recent federal relief package passed by Congress. State agencies must create and submit state plans to USDA for approval before implementation. D.C. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is currently working on D.C. ‘s state plan for school year 2020-2021 P-EBT benefits.

All households with students in pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade receiving free school meals at D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools are eligible for P-EBT. This includes income-eligible families who have submitted a Free and Reduced-priced Meals (FARM) application, families receiving SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) or TANF (cash assistance), and all families with students attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school.

If someone in your household recently lost a job or wages, you might be newly eligible for P-EBT. Please apply for SNAP benefits or contact your school to complete a FARM application.

U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for P-EBT eligibility. Participation in P-EBT is not considered in a Public Charge test. Non-U.S. citizen students and mixed citizenship households residing in the District of Columbia are encouraged to apply for and use P-EBT benefits.

Having issues with your P-EBT card? Submit a web form here. It may take DHS up to two to three weeks to address your issue.

How can my family receive food assistance now?

If your family needs immediate food assistance, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov/food or the food resources information page on the DHS website.

You can apply for SNAP benefits in addition to receiving P-EBT. More information on SNAP can be found on the DHS website. Applications for SNAP assistance are still being processed while DHS operates under a modified schedule. Online applications can be submitted on the DHS’ DC Benefits Portal. 

If you or someone you know does not have internet access or requires special assistance with filling out this online application, D.C. Hunger Solutions can assist over the phone. For application assistance over the phone, please call and leave a message at 202-640-1088 or email info@dchunger.org, we will return your voicemail or email within 1-2 business days.