What is P-EBT?
P-EBT stands for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer. P-EBT is a one-time payment available to Missouri families with children who would have received free or reduced price lunch at school but were not in school due to the pandemic. The first round of P-EBT was a reimbursement for the meals children ate at home during March, April, and May of 2020 while schools were closed due to COVID-19.
Congress approved a second round of P-EBT benefits for September 2020 – May 2021. Applications for those benefits are open and extended to August 20, 2021!
How to Apply for P-EBT
- The application for the second round of Pandemic-Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) is now extended to August 20, 2021! P-EBT is a temporary benefit to help families cover food costs for children in their home who would have received free and reduced lunch at school but were not able to be at school in-person or had reduced hours at least 5 days in a row due to the pandemic. Your child may also be eligible if they are under age 6 and your household was approved for SNAP any time after October 1, 2020. You must apply for P-EBT if your child is school age. To apply,
- Complete the P-EBT application (aplicación en Español) and
- Submit your application by either:
Email: fsd.mopebt@dss.mo.gov
Mail: Family Support Division
615 E. 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
NOTE: If your child meets the day care eligibility requirements, you do not need to apply. Your benefit will automatically load to your EBT card.
Read the FAQs from the Department of Social Services (DSS) for more information about P-EBT.
P-EBT Questions & Answers
How do I apply for P-EBT?
Day Care Eligibility: If your child was 6 years or younger and your family was enrolled in SNAP/Food Stamps October 1st, 2020 or later, you do not need to submit an application. P-EBT payments will be automatically added to your EBT card for each eligible child soon.
All families of school age children who would typically be eligible for free and reduced lunch at school but did not receive it due to virtual learning for 5 or more consecutive days need to complete an application by August 20, 2021. To apply,
- Complete the P-EBT application and
- Submit your application by either:
Email: fsd.mopebt@dss.mo.gov
Mail: Family Support Division
615 E. 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
NOTE: If your child meets the day care eligibility requirements, you do not need to apply. Your benefit will automatically load to your EBT card.
Read the FAQs from the Department of Social Services (DSS) for more information about P-EBT.
What is the P-EBT Amount?
The P-EBT payment amount is calculated based on the cost of free and reduced-price school lunch ($5.70 per eligible child per day).
Your family’s total payment will be calculated based on your eligibility in each month and the number of school-aged children in your household.
How will I receive my P-EBT payment and where can I use it?
P-EBT payments will be provided on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Once your application has been approved, the Department of Social Services will mail the EBT card to you.
P-EBT benefits may be used to buy food or food products, such seeds and plants to grow food, at any local retailer that accepts SNAP. To find a retailer near you, use the SNAP Retailer Locator.
You may now also use your EBT card to buy groceries online through Amazon or Walmart. However, please note P-EBT benefits may not be used to pay for delivery fees.
My child’s school district is serving Grab & Go meals. Can we still receive P-EBT benefits?
Yes. P-EBT payments are a supplement to Grab & Go child meal sites. They do not replace them.
If you’re looking for locations where children (ages 18 and younger) can pick-up a free meal, check out the Department of Health and Senior Services Emergency Meals for Children Map.
If you’re in the St. Louis Region, you can also use the Operation Food Search Child Meals Map to find locations closest to you.
I still have questions about P-EBT. Where can I find more information?
The Department of Social Services has an FAQ with more information about P-EBT on their website.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri can also help you with your application or help you navigate the program. Contact LSEM at 800-444-0514.
Last Updated: May 29, 2020
