Delaware recently received the okay to extend Pandemic-EBT benefits to feed children during the COVD-19 pandemic.
The Delaware Division of Social Services received federal approval to extend the benefits under the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer or P-EBT program to cover the months of August and September.
The P-EBT program was authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to provide assistance to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
The program benefits those currently on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP households, and a new EBT benefit to eligible non-SNAP households.
Ray Fitzgerald is the Director of Social Services for Delaware’s Division of Social Services, and he says this will help offset the cost of meals available at school.
"With the pandemic, schools being either closed or on hybrid schedules, where [kids are] in some days, out some days, the program allows the state to provide funds to families to help supplement their food needs that they are missing because their kids are not able to attend school," said Fitzgerald.
And Fitzgerald explains when those eligible will receive their funds.
“Families who receive food stamps previously or had an EBT card or people who have a Pandemic EBT card already because they previously participated, the funds were issued on the card on September 30." said Fitzgerald. "For people who are newly eligible, they'll get their card within two weeks from the 30th.”
For this school year about 81,000 children attending state schools will be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits.
