P-EBT Information

  • What is P-EBT? 

    Short for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, P-EBT is a federally funded pandemic relief program that uses EBT cards to provide financial assistance to replace school meals missed due to COVID-19. In Tennessee, P-EBT is administered by the Department of Human Services using information provided by schools and the Department of Education.

    Who Qualifies for P-EBT for the 2021/2022 School Year? 

    P-EBT benefits are available to children who:

    •    Are Eligible to receive free meals through the National School Lunch Program or attend a Community Eligibility Program, Provision 2 or 3 school.
    •    Attend a school that experienced a closure or reduction of hours of 5 consecutive days.
    •    Had a COVID-19 related absence reported to their school.

    Students are automatically enrolled in P-EBT for the 2021/2022 school year according to records provided by Tennessee schools regarding excused absences and closures related to COVID. No application is required.

    When Will Benefits Be Distributed for the 2021/2022 School Year and How Much Will  the Child Receive? 

    Benefits for the 2021/2022 school year will be delivered beginning July 30, 2022. Eligible children will receive $7.10 for each excused absence related to COVID-19.

    How Are P-EBT Benefits Distributed? 

    One P-EBT card is mailed to each eligible child’s address according to records provided by the child’s school. Similar to a debit card, P-EBT cards can be used to buy eligible food items at  grocery stores  and online retailers that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cards. Families who previously received a P-EBT card will receive benefits on the previously used card. 

    How To Check Benefit Amounts:

    Eligible children will receive $7.10 for each excused absence related to COVID-19. Parents can visit the P-EBT Parent Portal to review assigned benefits. Once a P-EBT card is in use, card balances can be checked online at ConnectEbt or by calling the number on the back of the card. Unused funds will be removed from the P-EBT card after one year.

    What to Do if Benefit Amounts Appear Incorrect 

    Parents who believe their child’s benefits do not reflect the number of school meals missed due to COVID-19-related school closures or excused absences can submit a Reconsideration request via the P-EBTParent Portal. Requests must be made between July 22, 2022 and August 29, 2022. If approved, reconsideration benefits will be issued in September 2022. To learn more about the Reconsideration Process visit Tennessee Department of Human Services.

    Get More Information on P-EBT

    The P-EBT Parent Portal is the best place to:

    • Update family address and contact information
    • Review a child’s assigned P-EBT benefits
    • Submit a reconsideration request if benefits appear incorrect
    • Call the P-EBT Hotline at 1-833-419-3210
    • Follow @TNHumanServices