Application extended for Pandemic Food Assistance

Tennessee parents have additional time to apply for an important program designed to help feed their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will now be accepted online for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program until Friday, August 14 at 4:30 p.m. central time.

This extension provides the Tennesse Department of Human Services with more opportunity to continue outreach efforts with community organizations.

P-EBT provides parents with $5.70 in benefits per child for each day that child qualifies. These benefits can be used to purchase food at any establishments that accepts EBT or online wiht Amazon and Walmart.

To be eligible, children must receive free or reduced meals at school or attend a Community Eligibility Provision school. The program is designed to replace meals lost during the months of March, April and May due to COVID-19 school closures.

Families who do not currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families need to apply for the program and will receive a P-EDT card in the mail after approval. Approval times can be delayed by inaccurate or incomplete information on the application so families are encouraged to double check all names and addresses to make sure they match what their children’s schools will have on file.

Individuals who need assistance completing their P-EBT application or have general questions about the program are encouraged to call the TDHS Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-4287.