Pandemic - Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)

The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program helps families purchase food for children whose access to free or reduced-priced meals at school has been impacted by COVID-19 because students are learning virtually, outside of brick-and-mortar schools. P-EBT is a collaboration between the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the NC Department of Public Instruction.

The P-EBT benefits will be provided through the current EBT system. EBT is an electronic system that replaced paper food stamp coupons with a card that is like debit card. Pandemic Electronic Benefits (P-EBT) provides a benefit on an EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, card. The P-EBT card functions like a standard EBT card. The P-EBT card can be used to purchase food items at EBT authorized retailers, including most major grocery stores.

Families do not need to apply for P-EBT. Eligible families already receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will receive an additional benefit on their existing EBT card. Eligible families who do not have an FNS or P-EBT card will be mailed a card.

Current Benefits: Summer 2023

A one-time payment of $120 will be issued to qualifying students in late June or early July. Find out if your child qualifies for Summer P-EBT.

Catch up issuances for the 2022-23 school year will continue through the summer.

After this summer, the P-EBT program will end permanently. Families who are eligible for FNS will continue to receive those benefits.

For more information about P-EBT eligibility, about the program, who is eligible, and how families will receive the benefit, please visit www.ncdhhs.gov/PEBT.

Please Note:

• All Cabarrus County Schools participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
• Cabarrus County Schools does not administer the P-EBT program. If you have specific questions about your eligibility that are not answered below, please call 1-866-719-0141.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility and Amount (Infographic)

Fact Sheet (English)

Fact Sheet (Spanish)

Click here to apply for Free or Reduced Price Meals

USDA is an equal opportunity provider.