How To Activate & Use The P-EBT Stimulus Card

Did you receive the P-EBT card recently?  Many families across the Tri-state may have gotten a little black and white card in the mail.  Whatever you do don't throw it away!

The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Stimulus (P-EBT) for short is meant to help families who have children learning virtually due to COVID-19 in the months of August-September.  The program is being offered through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

This card gives families the opportunity to purchase food that will help to replace or replenish the food used in their homes while the kids have been learning virtually.

Those kids that are eligible to receive the cards are those that qualify for free or reduced meals at school or the children who attend a school that is involved with the National School Lunch Program.  For example, all Owensboro Public School students are part of the National School Lunch/Breakfast programs so all students no matter of income status.

The benefits are only for August-September and the amount will vary per child.  The amount kids will receive per day is $5.68.  This does not include holidays or weekends in the total benefit.

When you get your card all you have to do is call 1-888-979-9949 and set up your 4-digit pin.  They suggest using the last four digits of your social security number but I chose a different pin for each of my children.  You will also need the date of birth and zip code of each child who received a card  Once you activate your card you are free to use it anywhere that accepts EBT.  You can also download the ebtEDGE app.  The app allows you to check your balance from your phone.  You must know the balance of the card each time you use it.

Here is a list of items you can and cannot purchase according to Cabinet for Family & Health Services;

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, fishDairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants which produce food for the child to eat

Households may not use P-EBT benefits to buy:
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco
Vitamins, medicines, supplements Items with a supplement facts label are considered supplements and not eligible for P-EBT purchase.
Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
Prepared foods fit for immediate consumption
Hot foods
Nonfood items such as:
Pet foods
Cleaning supplies, paper products and other household supplies.
Hygiene items, cosmetics

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALL THE (FAQ) ABOUT THE P-EBT

This is money meant to help you feed your children.  USE IT PEOPLE!