The USDA’s Food Nutrition Service (FNS) has launched the Pandemic EBT Program to provide help to Georgia households with children during extended school closures. Georgia P-EBT benefits program was launched in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The outbreak has impacted millions of families nationwide.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Georgia P-EBT including who qualifies for P-EBT benefits, how to apply, how you much you will receive, and when you will receive benefits.
We will also cover:
- What is Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)?
- Who qualifies for P-EBT Benefits in Georgia?
- Eligibility for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program
- How to apply for Georgia P-EBT benefits
- What happens after you Apply
- How much you will get in Georgia P-EBT benefits
- When you will receive your P-EBT payment
- How to check your Georgia Pandemic EBT balance
To learn more about the Pandemic EBT Program and Georgia P-EBT benefits, continue reading below.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)
In March, the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program was passed into law with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The P-EBT program provides financial assistance to families with children that typically receive free or reduced-price school meals.
The goal of the program is to reduce the financial impact on low-income households caused by extended school closures due to COVID-19. In addition, the program helps to keep kids fed when schools are closed during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Georgia P-EBT Program
In early June, Georgia was approved to distribute P-EBT benefits to eligible households throughout the state. The Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Georgia Department of Education (DOE) were assigned to distribute Pandemic EBT benefits to current SNAP and non-SNAP households.
Georgia P-EBT benefits distribution includes households with children eligible for free and reduced price school meals. The benefits are disbursed through the Georgia SNAP EBT card to eligible households.
What is Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)?
Pandemic EBT is a supplemental food purchasing benefit to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school. The program provides financial assistance to families with children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price meals at school.
Who qualifies for P-EBT benefits in Georgia?
Georgia P-EBT benefits are provided to all households with children attending public school, charter schools, or CEP eligible-schools who would receive free and reduced-price meals. These households qualify to receive Georgia P-EBT benefits to help them buy food for their children.
Do Community Eligible Provision schools qualify for P-EBT benefits?
Yes, if your child attends a Community Eligible Provision (CEP) school and everyone in their school receives free lunch, your household is eligible to receive P-EBT benefits in Georgia.
If you are unsure if your household qualifies to receive P-EBT benefits for your child, continue reading below.
Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Program Eligibility
To find out if your child qualifies for P-EBT benefits in Georgia, you must meet the eligibility guidelines for the National Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Program.
To be eligible for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of Georgia
- Meet the Income Eligibility Guidelines (see below)
| Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free & Reduced Price School Meals in Georgia (2020-2021) | ||
|
Household Size
|
Monthly Income Limit | |
| Free School Meals | Reduced-Price School Meals | |
| 1 | $1,383 | $1,968 |
| 2 | $1,868 | $2,658 |
| 3 | $2,353 | $3,349 |
| 4 | $2,839 | $4,040 |
| 5 | $3,324 | $4,730 |
| 6 | $3,809 | $5,421 |
| 7 | $4,295 | $6,112 |
| 8 | $4,780 | $6,802 |
| 9+ | $486 for each additional member | $691 for each additional member |
**If you are currently receiving Georgia SNAP food stamps or TANF cash assistance benefits, your child automatically qualifies for the free and reduced-price school meals program.
If you would like more information on how to apply for the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Program in Georgia including how to apply, check out our post here.
To find out how to get Pandemic EBT benefits in Georgia, continue reading below.
How do I get Georgia P-EBT?
To receive Georgia P-EBT benefits, you must submit an application online through the Georgia Gateway online portal. After you submit an application and have been approved, you will receive your P-EBT benefits payment via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card.
For households currently receiving SNAP or TANF benefits, your P-EBT benefits will be added to your existing Georgia EBT Card.
if you currently do not have a Georgia EBT Card, one will be sent to you in the mail via USPS for your P-EBT benefits.
To find out how to apply for Georgia Pandemic EBT benefits, continue reading below.
How to Apply for Georgia P-EBT Benefits
If you need help submitting your application for Georgia P-EBT benefits, follow our step-by-step instructions provided below.
Step 1 – Visit the Georgia DFCS website
The first step when applying for P-EBT benefits is to visit the Georgia DFCS website at dfcs.georgia.gov.
Once on the website, scroll down until you see the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer section. Click the yellow “Apply Now” button.
Step 2 – Go to the Georgia P-EBT page
You will be taken to a new page where you can find a series of information on Pandemic EBT benefits in Georgia. Scroll down the page until you see the section that says “Apply for P-EBT.”
To begin your Georgia P-EBT application, click the “Apply here by Sept. 18th” button.
For help, see the screenshot below.
Step 3 – Begin your P-EBT Application
You will now be taken to a page where you can begin your Georgia P-EBT Application. Begin by entering your personal information, including:
- First name
- Last name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race
- Language Preferance
Step 4 – Enter your child’s information
After that, you will be asked to enter information for each eligible child in your household. This information includes your child’s first name, last name, date of birth, and student testing ID number.
You can find your child’s Student Testing ID Number (GT ID) on their report card, progress report, or online student portal.
Step 5 – Provide your Address and Contact Information
Next, you will be asked to provide your mailing address (street name, city, county, state, and zip code). After that, please provide the best phone number and email address where you can be reached.
This information will be used if you need to be contacted regarding your P-EBT benefits application for any reason. When complete, click the green “Next” button.
Step 6 – Submit your P-EBT Application
After that, you will be asked to verify your information and complete the last steps of the Georgia P-EBT application process. When complete, click the “Submit” button. Your Georgia P-EBT Application will now be submitted for processing.
When is the deadline to apply for Georgia P-EBT benefits?
The deadline to apply for P-EBT benefits in Georgia is Friday, September 18, 2020. You must submit your Georgia Pandemic EBT Application online by this date to receive benefits.
To find out what happens after your submit your application for Pandemic EBT benefits in Georgia, continue reading below.
What happens after you Apply
Once you complete your online Georgia P-EBT application, you will receive an email notification stating that you successfully submitted your application. Once approved for P-EBT, you will receive a Georgia EBT Card in the mail via USPS.
The EBT card will already have your P-EBT benefits loaded on the card. You will be able to use your card and redeem your benefits once it has been successfully activated. Your Georgia EBT Card will include activation instructions.
For assistance with your P-EBT benefits or EBT Card, call the toll-free customer service phone number at
If you already have an active Georgia EBT Card, your P-EBT benefits will automatically be loaded onto your current EBT Card.
Georgia P-EBT FAQs
How much P-EBT do you get in Georgia?
Eligible P-EBT households in Georgia will receive a payment of $256.50 per child. The total P-EBT payment is based on the number of closed school days (45 days) in Georgia between March 2020 and May 2020.
Use the chart below to find out how much you will receive in P-EBT benefits total. The allotment amounts are the total benefits issued to families based on the number of eligible children in your household.
| No. of Children Eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch | Allotment Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $256.50 |
| 2 children | $513.00 |
| 3 children | $769.50 |
| 4 children | $1,026.00 |
| 5 children | $1,282.50 |
| 6 children | $1,539.00 |
| 7 children | $1,795.50 |
| 8 children | $2,052.00 |
Is P-EBT a one time payment?
Yes, Georgia P-EBT benefits are issued as a one-time payment directly to your new or existing Georgia EBT Card.
How many P-EBT cards per household?
You will receive one (1) Pandemic EBT Card per household. If you have multiple children in your household, all the benefits will be loaded onto one card.
How long will it take to receive my P-EBT Card?
Once your Georgia P-EBT application has been approved, your EBT Card will be mailed to you within 3 to 4 weeks. Your P-EBT benefits will be loaded onto your card once your receive it.
If you have an existing Georgia EBT, you will receive your benefits sooner.
How do I check my Georgia P-EBT Card balance?
You can check your Georgia P-EBT benefits online, in-person, or by phone. To check the balance of your Georgia P-EBT benefits, follow the instructions below.
Georgia P-EBT Balance Check Online
To check your P-EBT benefits balance on the Georgia EBT Card online, visit the Georgia Connect EBT website at connectebt.com/gaebtclient.
Login with your Connect EBT Card account User ID and Password. Once logged in, you will be able to view your current Georgia P-EBT benefits balance and transaction history.
If you do not have a Connect EBT account, you must first create one. To create a Georgia Connect EBT online account, click here.
Georgia P-EBT Balance Check by Phone
To check your GA P-EBT balance by phone call the Georgia EBT Card Customer Service toll-free phone number at 1-888-421-3281. Representatives are available to help you retrieve your current card balance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Before you call, be sure to have your Card Number, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) ready. You must provide this information to receive your P-EBT balance.
Georgia P-EBT Balance Check in Store
The last option to check your Georgia P-EBT balance is in-person at the store. You can find your current Georgia P-EBT Card balance located at the bottom of your most-recent purchase receipt. Be sure to save all of your recent Georgia EBT Card receipts!
Fore more help with your Georgia P-EBT balance, check out our post here.
How do I use my Georgia P-EBT benefits?
To use your Georgia P-EBT benefits, visit an eligible SNAP EBT store location. When shopping with your benefits, checkout as usual and use your EBT Card like a debit card.
When you are ready to pay for food at the store/market:
- Select “EBT”
- Swipe the card
- Enter your 4-digit PIN number
After that, your payment is processed and benefits removed from your card.
What can you buy with P-EBT?
P-EBT recipients can use their benefits to purchase the following items:
- Breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Deli meats and steak
- Dairy products – milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.
- Snacks, crackers and chips
- Bakery items and birthday cakes
- Juice and soda
- Ice cream and frozen treats
- Cookies and desserts
Are P-EBT benefits only for food?
Yes, P-EBT benefits can only be used to purchase food items for at-home consumption. You cannot use your Georgia P-EBT benefits to purchase hot, prepared food items or any of the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Soap and cleaning products
- Medicine and prescription drugs
- Paper products
- Household supplies
- Grooming items
- Cosmetics and beauty products
Can I use Georgia P-EBT benefits online?
Yes, you can use your Georgia P-EBT benefits to shop for food online at Walmart and Amazon. To find out how to use your Georgia EBT Card online, check out our article here.
Georgia P-EBT Card Discounts
As a Georgia P-EBT recipient, your Georgia EBT Card can qualify you for additional discounts, savings, and freebies. Some popular EBT Card discounts include a discounted Amazon Prime membership, cheap cell phone service, free museum admission, and much more!
To check out all the discounts your Georgia EBT Card can get you, read our article here.
GA P-EBT Benefits Summary
We hope this article about the Georgia Pandemic EBT Program was helpful to you!
If you have any additional questions about Georgia P-EBT benefits, or if you are having trouble applying for the program, please let us know in the comments section below.
We are here to help! Stay healthy and safe!
Do you qualify to receive extra food stamp benefits in Georgia? Read our article to find out here.
Also, be sure to check our other post on:
Georgia P-EBT for 2020/2021
Georgia EBT Discounts and Perks 2021
How to shop online with Georgia EBT
Kroger stores that accept EBT, Food Stamps in Georgia
Georgia EBT Card Explained