What is P-EBT?

Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) was a one-time benefit that helped cover food costs for children who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school but were not in school due to the pandemic. Please visit https://mydss.mo.gov/covid-food-stamp-info for more information.

How do I get help?

P-EBT benefits were loaded to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. If a family was already receiving Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits, P-EBT benefits were automatically loaded onto their EBT card. If a family was not already receiving SNAP benefits, they had to apply for P-EBT and were sent an EBT card once approved. The deadline to apply for P-EBT benefits was July 7th.

How much is the P-EBT benefit?

If you received Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, you will receive $302 per eligible child for the months of March, April, and May.

If you did not get Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, the amount of your P-EBT benefits will depend on your eligibility for those months. The maximum amount is $302 per eligible child, which includes:

  • March: $57

  • April: $125

  • May: $120

Resource Parents will only be eligible for help the months you were caring for a child in foster care.

How did you determine the P-EBT benefit amount?

If you received Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, your benefit amount was figured based on the cost of free and reduced-price lunch:

  • The cost of free and reduced lunch is $5.70 per eligible child per day

  • As March 18th was the average day of school closures, the amount was calculated from March 18th – May 31st or 53 days

  • The final calculation was $5.70 x $53 = $302

If you did not get Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, your benefit will be calculated and issued for each eligible child by month.

  • March: $57 (10 days at $5.70)

  • April: $125 (22 days at $5.70)

  • May: $120 (21 days at $5.70)

How long will P-EBT benefits stay on my EBT card?

P-EBT benefits are good for 365 days from the date the benefits are placed on your EBT card.

Can my student still participate in meals provided by the school if I receive P-EBT benefits?

Yes, students can receive P-EBT even if they got meals provided by the school district during the school closure.

I applied for P-EBT, how long will it take to get approved?

If you applied for P-EBT through your local school or online, it will take 30 days for approval of P-EBT. You can check the status of your case online. If you applied for P-EBT through your local school, please be aware it may be several days before you can see a status online.

If you received SNAP in March, you do not need to apply for P-EBT. Your our P-EBT benefits will be loaded to your EBT card automatically. If you did not receive your P-EBT benefit, call 855-373-4636 for help.

I made an error on my P-EBT application. Can I fix it?

There is not a way to edit your application for P-EBT once it is submitted. If you receive a denial letter, there will be information on how to appeal the decision. You may be contacted if additional information is needed to process your case.

What if I did not receive benefits for all of the children in my household, or I disagree with the benefit amount?

You will need to call the Family Support Division Information Center at 855-373-4636 and ask for your case to be reviewed.

If you are eligible for benefits for a child who was not previously included, that benefit will be added to your EBT card. If you are not eligible for benefits, you will get a letter in the mail letting you know you have been denied and the reason why.

If my household income has changed during the pandemic, how can I apply to have my children participate in the Free or Reduced Meal Program when schools reopen?

Each local school district will accept new Free or Reduced Meal Program applications once schools are back in session.

I got Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, but I still haven’t gotten P-EBT benefits. What should I do?

You will need to call the Family Support Division at 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) and ask our team to review your case.

What should I do if I did not get P-EBT benefits for all of my children?

If you did not get P-EBT benefits for all of your children and you believe you should have, you will need to call the Family Support Division at 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) and ask our team to review your case.

Why was my P-EBT application denied?

Each application is processed individually, but here are some common reasons your application may have been denied:

  • Your child’s first name or last name was incorrect on the application. Your child’s name must match the name the school district has on file.

  • Your application used your child’s nickname rather than their full name.

  • Your child’s date of birth was is incorrect or doesn’t match the file at the school district.

  • Your child wasn’t enrolled in the school district or building at the time the school closed due to the pandemic. This includes early head start students or kindergarten students who were not enrolled in school during the 2019-2020 school year.

  • Your child’s school district doesn’t participate in the National School Lunch Program.