North Carolina P-EBT Pt. 2

As previously reported, North Carolina has been approved for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. This program intends to provide extra help buying groceries for the families whose children normally receive free and reduced lunch at school.

The P-EBT supplement will be deposited in two installments and similar to typical SNAP benefits, unused benefits will roll over from month to month for up to one year (365 days).

Please see the list of Frequently Asked Questions from NCDHHS below:

How and when will I get my benefits?

There are two categories of ways people will receive benefits:

1. P-EBT families actively receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will receive an additional benefit on their existing EBT card in the next few weeks.
2. P-EBT families not actively receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will be mailed a white, P-EBT card with benefits pre-loaded in the next few weeks. These families will first receive a letter from NCDHHS in the mail explaining how to activate and use their card.

P-EBT benefits will be staggered when released to take into consideration supply chain needs and other Food and Nutrition (FNS) benefits.
 

How will you know where to send my P-EBT benefits?

For those families not actively receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits, North Carolina DHHS will send the P-EBT card to the address provided by the Department of Public Instruction as indicated in the child’s school record.

What if my address is incorrect or I have moved?

There are two categories of ways people will receive benefits and thus the answer varies:

• P-EBT families actively receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will need to contact their caseworker to report the change of address and if needed, to reissue their EBT card via NC FAST.

• P-EBT families not actively receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will not have benefits showing in NC FAST. Their benefits will be available in ebtEDGE and any updates to address and reissuance of card will need to be conducted in that system. See “How do I activate my P-EBT card” below for ebtEDGE contact information.

It should be noted that undeliverable cards will be returned to the EBT vendor. Counties will receive a report of the undeliverable cards and someone will attempt to contact the family to get their card to them. These attempts will be made via the phone number on file for the child(ren) in the Department of Public Instruction’s records, or through collaboration with your local school if the phone number on file is not correct.

How much will I get in P-EBT benefits?

Families will receive approximately $371 in total P-EBT benefits per child, provided over two installments. The first allotment accounts for closed school days in March and April 2020. The second allotment accounts for closed school days, May 1 – June 12th, 2020.

How do I activate my P-EBT card?

Families receiving a P-EBT card will need to create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to activate the card. Applicants may log into www.ebtEdge.com, utilize the ebtEDGE mobile app, or call 1-888-622-7328 to complete this process. 

The family will be asked to enter the date of birth of the youngest school age child receiving free or reduced lunch in the household prior to creating the PIN. 

For example: The household consists of 2 school age children; one is 13 years old (DOB: 04/04/2007) and one is 15 years old (DOB: 01/01/2005) and both receive free or reduced lunch through school. To create the PIN, the family would enter the date of birth for the 13 year-old (04042007). The user will then be prompted to create a unique PIN.

Note: If there are multiple children in your household it may be necessary to try each child’s date of birth to successfully activate your P-EBT card. 

Information Accessed at:

North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19/assistance/p-ebt#how-much-will-families-receive-in-benefits?