The PEBT Parent Portal PA is an online platform designed to assist families in Pennsylvania in accessing Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (PEBT) benefits. This program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible households with children who have been affected by school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the PEBT Parent Portal, families can conveniently apply for benefits, check their application status, and manage their PEBT accounts.
The PEBT program is funded by the federal government and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. It is open to families with children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or who receive free or reduced-price school meals. Eligible children must be between the ages of 0 and 18 and must have been enrolled in a participating school or childcare program during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years.
To access the PEBT Parent Portal PA, families must create an account using their name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once the account is created, families can apply for PEBT benefits by providing information about their eligible children and their school or childcare program. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online or by phone.
pebt parent portal pa
Access benefits for school closures.
- Apply online or by phone.
- Check application status.
- Manage PEBT account.
- For children ages 0-18.
- Must be enrolled in school.
- Free or reduced-price meals.
- Funded by federal government.
- Administered by PA Dept. of Human Services.
- Benefits for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years.
Visit the PEBT Parent Portal PA website for more information and to apply.
Apply online or by phone.
Families can apply for PEBT benefits through the PEBT Parent Portal PA website or by calling the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
- Online application:
To apply online, families will need to create an account on the PEBT Parent Portal PA website. Once the account is created, families can complete the application by providing information about their eligible children and their school or childcare program.
- Phone application:
Families who prefer to apply by phone can call the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462. A customer service representative will be available to assist families with the application process and answer any questions they may have.
- Required information:
Regardless of whether families apply online or by phone, they will need to provide the following information:
- Name, address, and date of birth of the parent or guardian applying for benefits
- Social Security number of the parent or guardian
- Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of the eligible children
- School or childcare program that the eligible children attend or attended
- Application processing time:
Once an application is submitted, it will be processed within 10 business days. Families will be notified of the approval or denial of their application by mail.
Families who are approved for PEBT benefits will receive a Pandemic EBT Card in the mail. This card can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Check application status.
Families can check the status of their PEBT application online through the PEBT Parent Portal PA website or by calling the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
- Online application status:
To check the status of an application online, families will need to log in to their PEBT Parent Portal PA account. Once logged in, families can click on the "Check Application Status" link to view the current status of their application.
- Phone application status:
Families who applied for PEBT benefits by phone can call the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462 to check the status of their application. A customer service representative will be available to assist families and provide them with the current status of their application.
- Application statuses:
Families may see one of the following statuses when checking the status of their application:
- Pending: The application is being processed.
- Approved: The application has been approved and the family will receive a Pandemic EBT Card in the mail.
- Denied: The application has been denied. Families who are denied benefits can appeal the decision by calling the PEBT hotline.
- Contacting customer service:
Families who have questions about the status of their application or who need assistance checking the status of their application can contact the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
It is important for families to check the status of their application regularly to ensure that they receive their PEBT benefits in a timely manner.
Manage PEBT account.
Once families have been approved for PEBT benefits, they can manage their PEBT account through the PEBT Parent Portal PA website or by calling the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
Online account management:
Families can log in to their PEBT Parent Portal PA account to manage their PEBT account online. Once logged in, families can view their account balance, transaction history, and authorized retailers where they can use their Pandemic EBT Card.
Phone account management:
Families who prefer to manage their PEBT account by phone can call the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462. A customer service representative will be available to assist families with managing their account, including checking their balance, viewing their transaction history, and reporting a lost or stolen Pandemic EBT Card.
Authorized retailers:
Families can use their Pandemic EBT Card to purchase food at authorized retailers. To find a list of authorized retailers near you, visit the PEBT Parent Portal PA website or call the PEBT hotline.
Customer service:
Families who have questions about managing their PEBT account or who need assistance using their Pandemic EBT Card can contact the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462. A customer service representative will be available to assist families with any issues they may have.
It is important for families to manage their PEBT account carefully and to use their benefits before they expire. PEBT benefits typically expire within a year of being issued.
For children ages 0-18.
PEBT benefits are available for children who are between the ages of 0 and 18 and who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or who receive free or reduced-price school meals.
- Age eligibility:
Children must be between the ages of 0 and 18 on the date of application to be eligible for PEBT benefits.
- School enrollment:
Children must be enrolled in a participating school or childcare program to be eligible for PEBT benefits. Participating schools and childcare programs include public schools, private schools, and Head Start programs.
- Free or reduced-price meals:
Children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or who receive free or reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible for PEBT benefits.
- Non-enrolled children:
Children who are not enrolled in school or childcare may still be eligible for PEBT benefits if they meet certain criteria. For example, children who are homeschooled or who attend a private school that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program may still be eligible for PEBT benefits.
Families who are unsure whether their child is eligible for PEBT benefits can contact the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462 for assistance.
Must be enrolled in school.
To be eligible for PEBT benefits, children must be enrolled in a participating school or childcare program.
- Participating schools:
Participating schools include public schools, private schools, and Head Start programs.
- School enrollment:
Children must be enrolled in school at the time of application or they must have been enrolled in school during the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school year.
- Non-enrolled children:
Children who are not enrolled in school may still be eligible for PEBT benefits if they meet certain criteria. For example, children who are homeschooled or who attend a private school that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program may still be eligible for PEBT benefits.
- Proof of enrollment:
Families may be required to provide proof of their child's school enrollment when applying for PEBT benefits. Proof of enrollment may include a school ID card, a report card, or a letter from the school.
Families who are unsure whether their child meets the school enrollment requirement for PEBT benefits can contact the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462 for assistance.
Free or reduced-price meals.
Children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or who receive free or reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible for PEBT benefits.
- National School Lunch Program:
The National School Lunch Program is a federal program that provides free or reduced-price school meals to eligible children. Children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program are automatically eligible for PEBT benefits.
- Free or reduced-price school meals:
Children who receive free or reduced-price school meals at a participating school are also automatically eligible for PEBT benefits.
- Income eligibility:
To be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, families must meet certain income guidelines. Income guidelines are based on the federal poverty level.
- Applying for free or reduced-price school meals:
Families can apply for free or reduced-price school meals through their child's school. Applications are typically available at the beginning of each school year.
Families who are unsure whether their child is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals can contact their child's school or the local school district for more information.
Funded by federal government.
The PEBT program is funded by the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- USDA funding:
The USDA provides funding to states to administer the PEBT program. States are responsible for distributing PEBT benefits to eligible families.
- Federal funds:
The PEBT program is funded entirely by federal funds. States are not required to contribute any of their own funds to the program.
- Emergency funding:
The PEBT program was created as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was passed by Congress in March 2020. The program was later extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was passed in December 2020.
- Temporary program:
The PEBT program is a temporary program that is intended to provide financial assistance to families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is not intended to be a permanent replacement for other nutrition assistance programs.
The federal government's funding of the PEBT program demonstrates its commitment to providing food assistance to children in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administered by PA Dept. of Human Services.
The PEBT program in Pennsylvania is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
- DHS responsibilities:
DHS is responsible for overseeing the PEBT program in Pennsylvania. This includes developing and implementing program policies, distributing PEBT benefits to eligible families, and responding to inquiries about the program.
- PEBT hotline:
DHS operates a PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462. Families can call the hotline with questions about the PEBT program or to check the status of their application.
- PEBT Parent Portal PA:
DHS also operates the PEBT Parent Portal PA website. Families can use the website to apply for PEBT benefits, check the status of their application, and manage their PEBT account.
- Local DHS offices:
Families can also visit their local DHS office for assistance with the PEBT program. DHS offices can provide families with information about the program, help them apply for benefits, and answer any questions they may have.
DHS is committed to ensuring that all eligible families in Pennsylvania have access to PEBT benefits. Families who need assistance with the PEBT program can contact DHS by phone, online, or in person.
Benefits for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years.
PEBT benefits are available for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. This means that children who were enrolled in school or childcare during either of these school years may be eligible for PEBT benefits.
2020-2021 school year:
Families who have children who were enrolled in school or childcare during the 2020-2021 school year may be eligible for PEBT benefits if their child's school was closed or if their child was unable to attend school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021-2022 school year:
Families who have children who were enrolled in school or childcare during the 2021-2022 school year may be eligible for PEBT benefits if their child's school was closed or if their child was unable to attend school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, families who have children who were enrolled in a summer enrichment program during the summer of 2022 may also be eligible for PEBT benefits.
Benefit amounts:
The amount of PEBT benefits that a family receives depends on the number of eligible children in the family and the school year for which they are applying. For the 2020-2021 school year, the benefit amount was $375 per eligible child. For the 2021-2022 school year, the benefit amount is $750 per eligible child.
Families who believe they may be eligible for PEBT benefits for the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school year should contact their local DHS office or call the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462 for more information.
FAQ
Introduction:
The PEBT Parent Portal PA FAQ section provides answers to common questions that parents may have about the PEBT program. If you have a question that is not answered here, you can contact the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
Question 1: What is the PEBT program?
Answer: The PEBT program is a federal program that provides financial assistance to families with children who have been affected by school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. PEBT benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Question 2: Who is eligible for PEBT benefits?
Answer: Children who are between the ages of 0 and 18 and who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or who receive free or reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible for PEBT benefits. Children who are not enrolled in school may also be eligible for PEBT benefits if they meet certain criteria.
Question 3: How do I apply for PEBT benefits?
Answer: Families can apply for PEBT benefits online through the PEBT Parent Portal PA website or by calling the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
Question 4: How much in PEBT benefits will I receive?
Answer: The amount of PEBT benefits that a family receives depends on the number of eligible children in the family and the school year for which they are applying. For the 2020-2021 school year, the benefit amount was $375 per eligible child. For the 2021-2022 school year, the benefit amount is $750 per eligible child.
Question 5: How will I receive my PEBT benefits?
Answer: PEBT benefits are distributed to families through a Pandemic EBT Card. The Pandemic EBT Card can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Question 6: What if I have more questions about the PEBT program?
Answer: Families who have questions about the PEBT program can contact the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
Closing:
We hope this FAQ section has answered your questions about the PEBT program. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PEBT hotline.
Transition paragraph:
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ section, we have also compiled a list of tips to help you manage your PEBT account and use your PEBT benefits.
Tips
Introduction:
Here are a few tips to help you manage your PEBT account and use your PEBT benefits:
Tip 1: Create a strong password.
When you create your PEBT Parent Portal PA account, be sure to choose a strong password. This will help to protect your account from unauthorized access.
Tip 2: Keep your PEBT card safe.
Your PEBT card is like a debit card. Keep it in a safe place and do not share your PIN number with anyone.
Tip 3: Use your PEBT benefits wisely.
PEBT benefits can only be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. Be sure to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time so that you can use your benefits wisely.
Tip 4: Check your balance regularly.
You can check your PEBT account balance online through the PEBT Parent Portal PA website or by calling the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462. This will help you to track your spending and ensure that you are using your benefits before they expire.
Closing:
By following these tips, you can manage your PEBT account and use your PEBT benefits safely and wisely.
Transition paragraph:
We hope that this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about the PEBT Parent Portal PA. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PEBT hotline.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
The PEBT Parent Portal PA is an online platform that allows families in Pennsylvania to apply for and manage their PEBT benefits. PEBT benefits are available to families with children who have been affected by school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible for PEBT benefits, children must be between the ages of 0 and 18 and must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or receive free or reduced-price school meals. Families can apply for PEBT benefits online through the PEBT Parent Portal PA website or by calling the PEBT hotline at 1-800-692-7462. Once approved, families will receive a Pandemic EBT Card that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Closing Message:
We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for many families. We hope that the PEBT program can provide some financial relief to families who are struggling to make ends meet. We encourage all eligible families to apply for PEBT benefits. If you have any questions about the PEBT program, please do not hesitate to contact the PEBT hotline.