News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Families in Tennessee eligible for the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program still have time to apply.
The program provides families $5.70 for every missed school day during the pandemic to make up for lost meals. Tennessee Department of Human Services Press Secretary Sky Arnold said many families were unprepared to make up two meals a day.
“Families across our state depend on the meals that their children receive in school during the school year,” Arnold said. “Many of them were not prepared to immediately replace those meals when schools shut down, and children were no longer receiving those meals at school.”
Arnold said children who receive free or reduced meals at school or attend a Community Eligibility Provision school may receive financial assistance. The deadline to apply is July 27th.
“You can apply to this program from your living room on your computer,” Arnold said. “We have it set up, so that it is really easy for families to apply. Just go to our website at tn.gov/humanservices.”
In order for a child to be eligible, their school must have been cancelled from the months March to May. Arnold said if you are approved for P-EBT, you will receive a card in the mail.
“The card contains your benefits, and you essentially use it as a debit card,” Arnold said. “You will be able to go to any place that accepts EBT and be able to purchase food.”
Arnold said if you currently Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you already have an EBT card. If you qualified for P-EBT, the funds are automatically transferred to your card.
Individuals who need assistance completing their P-EBT application or have general questions about the program are encouraged to call the TDHS hotline at 1-833-496-0661 and select option 3.
