P-EBT FAQ – Maryland Hunger Solutions

When will I receive benefits for the 2020-2021 school year?

What will be the amount of benefits?

Benefits are calculated at $6.82 per child per school day if their school is closed or the majority of children are attending virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monthly benefits will vary based on you’re the predominant learning model of your child’s school and/or school district for the month (i.e. 100% virtual or hybrid). Your benefits may be calculated based on the average number of virtual days in a given month if your child’s school is predominantly hybrid.

How will I receive the money?

P-EBT cards will be issued to each eligible child in the child’s name.
Students who are receiving SNAP benefits and qualify for the P-EBT program who previously received their P-EBT benefits on their parents EBT card will be mailed a P-EBT card. No P-EBT benefits will be issued on EBT cards.
SNAP children under 6 and students newly enrolled in free and reduced meals programs or CEP schools will be mailed a P-EBT card by the end of June.
Students who already received a P-EBT card will receive their P-EBT benefits on the same card.

What do I do if I no longer have my child’s P-EBT card(s)?

To request a replacement card, you can either call the Maryland MD EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2222 or go to ConnectEBT.com. You will need to provide the child’s name, date of birth, the same four (4) digits used to activate the original P-EBT card, and your address to have a new card mailed to you. Replacement cards will take around 7-10 days business days to arrive. The replacement card will be a traditional EBT card and may look different from your original P-EBT card, but can be used in the same way.

I received P-EBT benefits in Spring 2020, why didn’t I receive benefits for September?

Maryland issued benefits for the month of September to children who were eligible for the program in the 2020-2021 school year. This does not include students who were previously eligible in the 2019-2020 school year but have since graduated, students who have moved out of state since the end of the previous school year, or students who attended school in-person during the month of September and had access to free or reduced-price school meals.
If you believe you were eligible for P-EBT in September, but did not receive benefits, please contact DHS through the online form or hotline.

How can I use these benefits?

These benefits can be used at any store that accepts SNAP or EBT and can be used to purchase most food items, with the exception of prepared foods.

Do I have to use my benefits all at the same time?

No, your P-EBT benefits will carry over month-to-month and will remain on your EBT card for up to 365 days from the date they were made available to you.

What do I do if I am eligible for P-EBT but have not received any benefits?

Questions or concerns regarding your individual P-EBT case should be directed to DHS through their Customer Inquiry Form. The department has a team working to respond to each inquiry submitted.

What should I do if I’ve moved and need to update my address?

To received P-EBT benefits, families must have an updated mailing address. Please update your address with your child’s school.

How do I activate my child’s P-EBT card when I get it?

Call the number on the back of the card. You will need the 16-digit EBT card number on the front of the card, your zip code, and the date of birth of the child who is named on the card. When prompted to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number, enter 0000. You will then be able to set a four-digit pin number.

Will this affect my ability to receive other benefits?

Does P-EBT replace grab and go meal sites?

P-EBT benefits supplement grab and go meals and can be used together. To find a meal site near you, visit org. “Grab and go” meal site locations are updated nightly and will continue to operate through the summer.

Does this count against me under public charge?

No, it does not. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that receiving P-EBT benefits will not affect your immigration status or your ability to receive immigration benefits.

How can my family receive additional food assistance?

If your family needs immediate food assistance, you can find food distribution sites and emergency resources in your area on the Maryland Food Bank and Capital Area Food Bank
Meal sites for children can be found at MDsummermeals.org.
You can apply for SNAP benefits in addition to receiving P-EBT. Information on how to apply to SNAP can be found HERE(información sobre SNAP). Applications for SNAP assistance are still being processed while DHS offices are closed. Online applications can be submitted on the MyDHR portal: state.md.us. If you or someone you know does not have internet access or requires special assistance with filling out this online application, Maryland Hunger Solutions can assist over the phone. For application assistance over the phone, please call and leave a message at: 866-821-5552.