Maryland’s P-EBT distribution plan has been approved, but there are still many questions left to be answered. With the help of Ayesha Holmes from Maryland No Kid Hungry, Maryland SNAP-Ed has compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand the program. For more information, see https://dhs.maryland.gov/p-ebt/.
What is P-EBT and who is eligible?
P-EBT is a federal nutrition program that provides additional funds to families to purchase food during pandemic-related school closures. P-EBT benefits are intended to cover breakfast, lunch, and a snack for eligible children who would have received these meals at their school, for every day they do not attend school in person.
Children in households that participate in SNAP are eligible. In addition, children enrolled in school who qualify for Free and Reduced Meals (FARM) are eligible for the P-EBT Program. If your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, where all students receive free meals, they are eligible for P-EBT.
Children under six are also eligible only if they are in families receiving SNAP.
If you have questions about what you’re eligible for, we recommend that you call the P-EBT hotline at 1-833-330-PEBT (7328).
How and when will benefits be distributed?
P-EBT benefits will not be issued on SNAP EBT cards. Families that are receiving SNAP benefits and are eligible for the P-EBT benefits will receive one P-EBT card for each eligible child. Most cards will be mailed the week of May 17, 2021. Cards may take up to 10 days to reach the recipient.
Students who are enrolled in the Free and Reduced-Price School Meal Programs should have received a P-EBT card last spring. Benefits for this year will be loaded onto this card. If you previously got a P-EBT card but have lost it or thrown it away, you will need to contact Maryland EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2222 or go to ConnectEBT.com. The replacement card may look different but works exactly in the same way as your original card. It will take 7-10 business days to receive a replacement card.
Benefits will be retroactive (distributed for past months) and distributed once a month. The exact date of distribution will vary each month, but the Maryland Department of Human Services sends an email blast when benefits are issued.
Here is the timeline for how retroactive benefits will be issued:
Do I need to do anything to receive my benefits?
You do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits. DHS will use records from local school systems to identify school-aged children who are eligible to receive benefits under this program. DHS will use SNAP records to identify children under six who are eligible under the childcare eligibility provision.
The most important things families can do now is:
- Make sure your address is up to date with your child’s school.
- If your child did not previously qualify for Free and Reduced Meals and your household income has changed, complete the Free and Reduced Meal application for their school.
- If you lost the P-EBT card you received last June (if who qualify based on Free and Reduced Meals but do not participate in SNAP), call Maryland EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2222 to let them know you need a new one.
How do I know how much my benefits should be?
Each eligible student will receive $6.82 per day if their school is closed or the majority of children in their school are virtual. If the majority of children in your school are hybrid learners, your benefit may be calculated based on the average number of virtual days in a given month.
The best way to find out how much you will receive is to contact the DHS hotline as they can access your records and explain how your benefit was calculated.
The FreshEBT app can help you easily track your benefits payments and spending!
Who can I contact if I have issues with my P-EBT benefits?
If you lost your previous P-EBT card, do not receive your card or your benefits, or have any other questions, call the Maryland EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2222 or complete the Customer Inquiry Form.
What are some tips to help me make the most of my benefits?
- Restock your pantry (En Español).
Having a well-stocked pantry is like having money in the bank. With basic supplies on hand, you'll be prepared to put together a family-friendly meal if you’re ever in a pinch down the road. Stock up on pantry essentials that can be kept long-term. Examples include: Rice, pasta, oats, and canned goods such as vegetables and fruits.
- Restock your freezer with frozen fruits and vegetables (En Español):
When it comes to fruits and veggies, all forms count! Frozen fruits and vegetables can help you include these items at every meal with less stress. Frozen veggies can be added to soups, stews, casseroles, and stir fries. Or steam them for a quick side. Toss frozen fruit into smoothies, or thaw and serve in yogurt, oatmeal, or in parfaits.
- Buy delicious local produce with your SNAP-dollars:
Farmers’ markets offer fresh, colorful produce picked just hours before it is sold. Use your P-EBT benefits to buy some of the tastiest fruits and vegetables you can buy! This chart tells you when your favorite fruits and veggies are available from Maryland farms.
Many farmers’ markets accept SNAP. At some markets, you can visit a booth that allows you to use your EBT or P-EBT card to buy tokens. These tokens can be used to buy fruits and vegetables at any farmer’s stand in the market. At other markets, you can use your EBT or P-EBT card to buy fruits and vegetables directly from the farmer. The Maryland Farmers Market Directory 2021 indicates whether each market accepts SNAP (via regular EBT or P-EBT). This information is subject to change; confirm market hours, location, and benefits information via the market’s website or social media.
Shoppers who spend their benefits at farmers’ markets that participate in Maryland Market Money can receive bonus dollars that can be spent on SNAP-eligible foods. This not only extends your food budget even further for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, but also helps to support local farmers.
What else should I know about P-EBT or other programs available to combat hunger in Maryland?
If you don’t participate in SNAP but think you may qualify, we strongly encourage you to apply. Maryland Hunger Solutions offers one-on-one assistance applying for SNAP. Call 1-866-821-5552 to schedule an appointment.
If you are pregnant or have a child five years old or younger, you or your child may also be eligible for WIC.
