Consumer Credit Counseling Service News Articles

Nearly half a million Wisconsin children are eligible for Pandemic EBT benefits, but many parents may not know it. Starting in March 2021, this program will provide grocery store benefits to parents to replace the value of missed school meals.

Pandemic EBT (or P-EBT) is a federal nutrition program that the USDA has recently approved in Wisconsin for families with school-aged children. Benefits are based on the 2020-2021 school year and will be available starting March 25.

What is Pandemic EBT?

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is a program at provides grocery benefits to parents to replace the value of missed school meals. That means you can receive money for groceries to help feed your children – families in WI could receive up to $1,248 per child!

Children who did virtual learning (learned at home or on a home computer) for any portion of the 2020-21 school year may be eligible to receive P-EBT.

How Much Can I Receive?

The benefit amount will depend on how much of the school year your child spent learning virtually versus in-person. Benefits are calculated by the Department of Health Services based on how many days per month your child spent virtual learning during the 2020-21 school year.

Benefits will be issued for specific months of the school year.

How Do I Get Pandemic EBT?

Benefits will be automatically loaded onto existing FoodShare QUEST cards. Families that do not participate in FoodShare will be mailed a new Pandemic EBT white debit card which will need to be activated.

Sometimes it’s using a tool that is close enough to get the job done. Other times, it’s borrowing from a neighbor, friend, or family member. (And returning said item!)

Eligibility

Your family qualifies for Pandemic EBT if the following apply to you:

1. Your child attended school virtually at any point during the 2020-21

AND

2. Your child has been eligible for free or reduced-price meals in 2019-20 OR 2020-21 school year

Does Your Child Receive FoodShare?

If YES, you do not need to take any action. Your P-EBT benefits will be added to your existing QUEST card.

Changing your spending habits likely won’t feel easy initially, but as you keep your goals in mind and remind yourself of your values, it does get easier.

What If I Am Not Eligible for FoodShare?

Your child may still be eligible for P-EBT! Contact your school right away and apply for free or reduced-price meals.

If your child receives free or reduced-price meals, you do not need to take any action. You will receive a white P-EBT debit card in the mail with your benefits.

Holli Lewandowski, Certified Credit Counselor, Educator, and Advocate

Forwarded from Hunger Task Force

Hungertaskforce.org