EBT Card Activation: The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Programme was established by Congress in the spring of 2020 and is funded by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
P-EBT was intended to assist parents and guardians in procuring food for their children during COVID-19-related school closures.
EBT Card Activation: A Step-by-Step Guide to Get Started
It compensated pupils eligible for free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Programme (NSLP) for meals missed during school closures. The funds on the P-EBT cards were earmarked exclusively for grocery purchases.
P-EBT funds were prolonged for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. Initially implemented in Pennsylvania as a response to the national public health crisis, P-EBT funds were extended for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. However, following the conclusion of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023, the programme will terminate following the 2022-2023 academic year.
Due to the conclusion of the PHE, no additional P-EBT benefits, corrections, or replacement cards will be issued after September 30, 2023.
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Follow these steps to activate your new P-EBT card if you receive one:
- Dial the Pennsylvania EBT hotline listed on the card’s reverse.
- When prompted, enter the entire number displayed on the card’s front.
- When asked if you are activating a P-EBT or conventional EBT card, select the P-EBT option.
- When prompted, enter the final four digits of your zip code.
- Provide the date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format for the infant whose name appears on the card.
- Select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) of four digits for the card. Avoid using numerals that are repetitive or sequential.
- Verify the PIN number.
- Once the card has been successfully activated, the automated voice will notify you that it is active and then end the call.
- It should be noted that once your P-EBT card is activated, it can be used at authorised retailers displaying the EBT logo. The majority of grocery stores and convenience stores accept EBT and P-EBT.
