The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) card is a government-issued card that provides food assistance to eligible families with children who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or who receive free or reduced-price school meals. The P-EBT card can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
In Arkansas, the P-EBT card is issued by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS has announced that the P-EBT card will be reloaded every month for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of benefits that will be loaded onto the card each month will vary depending on the number of children in the household.
P-EBT Card Overview
The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) card is a government-issued debit card that provides financial assistance to eligible families in Arkansas to help them purchase food for their children. The P-EBT card is part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and is available to families with children who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.The
P-EBT card works like a regular debit card. Families can use the card to purchase food at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets. The P-EBT card is not a cash card and cannot be used to withdraw cash from an ATM.The
P-EBT card is a temporary program that is available during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is expected to end in September 2023.
Monthly Reloading of P-EBT Card
The P-EBT card in Arkansas will be reloaded monthly during the school year, providing eligible children with nutritional assistance to purchase food items.
Specific Dates for Reloading
The P-EBT card will be reloaded on the following dates:
- October 2023
- November 2023
- December 2023
- January 2024
- February 2024
- March 2024
- April 2024
- May 2024
Amount of Benefits
The amount of benefits loaded onto the P-EBT card each month will vary depending on the child’s age and eligibility status. The estimated monthly benefits are as follows:
| Child’s Age | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 0-5 years | $95 |
| 6-18 years | $194 |
Card Usage and Restrictions
The P-EBT card can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers that accept EBT cards. These retailers typically include grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers’ markets.Eligible food items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Meat and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks and beverages
The card cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Pet food
- Household items
- Clothing
To check the balance on your P-EBT card, you can:
- Call the customer service number on the back of the card
- Visit the website of the state agency that issued the card
- Use the mobile app associated with the card
You can also track your transactions by logging into your online account or using the mobile app.
Additional Support and Resources
For more information about the P-EBT program in Arkansas, you can visit the following resources:
Contact Information
- Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS): 1-800-987-1118
- Email: [email protected]
Websites and Other Resources
Reporting Lost or Stolen Cards
If your P-EBT card is lost or stolen, you should immediately report it to the Arkansas DHS at 1-800-987-1118.
You can also request a replacement card online at the Arkansas DHS website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/programs-services/programs/p-ebt
Closing Summary
The P-EBT card is a valuable resource for families who are struggling to put food on the table during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are eligible for the P-EBT card, we encourage you to apply. You can apply for the P-EBT card online at the Arkansas DHS website.
FAQ Corner
When will the P-EBT card be reloaded?
The P-EBT card will be reloaded on the same day each month. The date of the reload will vary depending on the month.
How much money will be loaded onto the P-EBT card each month?
The amount of money that will be loaded onto the P-EBT card each month will vary depending on the number of children in the household.
Where can I use the P-EBT card?
The P-EBT card can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
What types of food can I purchase with the P-EBT card?
The P-EBT card can be used to purchase any type of food, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread.
How do I check the balance on my P-EBT card?
You can check the balance on your P-EBT card by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your account online.
