The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many families in the state of Mississippi, especially those living in poverty. To help cope with the economic strain, the state of Mississippi has set up the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program, which provides monthly payments to eligible families to help cover the cost of food. This article will provide an overview of the P-EBT program in Mississippi, including who is eligible and how to apply for benefits.
What is P-EBT?
P-EBT is a program created by the state of Mississippi to provide financial assistance to families that are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides monthly payments to eligible families to help cover the cost of food. The funds are distributed through a debit card, and can be used to purchase food items at any grocery store or convenience store that accepts SNAP.
Who is Eligible for P-EBT in Mississippi?
The P-EBT program is available to families with children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Families must meet certain income and asset criteria in order to be eligible for the program. In addition, families must be living in a household where at least one parent or guardian is unemployed or underemployed due to the impact of COVID-19.
How to Apply for P-EBT in Mississippi
To apply for P-EBT benefits in Mississippi, families must first fill out a P-EBT application form and submit it to their local school district. The application can be downloaded from the Mississippi Department of Human Services website, or requested by calling the P-EBT customer service hotline. Once the application is submitted, families will receive a P-EBT debit card in the mail within a few weeks.
How to Use the P-EBT Debit Card
The P-EBT debit card can be used to purchase food items at any grocery store or convenience store that accepts SNAP. Families can also use the card to purchase food online at select stores. The card can be used to purchase any food item that is eligible for SNAP benefits, including fresh produce, canned and frozen foods, dairy products, and more.
When Will Families Receive P-EBT Benefits?
Families that are approved for P-EBT benefits will receive monthly payments for up to six months. Payments are issued on the last business day of the month. For example, payments for June will be issued on June 30th. Payments are deposited directly into the P-EBT debit card, and can be used immediately to purchase food.
How to Renew P-EBT Benefits in Mississippi
Families that are approved for P-EBT benefits must renew their benefits every six months. To renew their benefits, families must submit a renewal form to the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The renewal form can be downloaded from the Mississippi Department of Human Services website, or requested by calling the P-EBT customer service hotline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much money can I receive through the P-EBT program?
A: The amount of money that families can receive through the P-EBT program depends on the number of children in the household and the income of the family. Generally, the maximum amount of money that can be received is $350 per child per month.
Q: Where can I use the P-EBT debit card?
A: The P-EBT debit card can be used to purchase food items at any grocery store or convenience store that accepts SNAP. Families can also use the card to purchase food online at select stores.
Q: Is there a limit on how much money I can spend with the P-EBT debit card?
A: There is no limit on how much money you can spend with the P-EBT debit card. However, you can only use the card to purchase food items that are eligible for SNAP benefits.
Conclusion
The P-EBT program in Mississippi is a great way for families to receive financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides monthly payments to eligible families to help cover the cost of food. Families must meet certain income and asset criteria in order to be eligible for the program, and must submit an application form to their local school district. Once the application is approved, families will receive a P-EBT debit card in the mail within a few weeks. The P-EBT debit card can be used to purchase food items at any grocery store or convenience store that accepts SNAP, as well as online at select stores.
