P-EBT Family Information

  • Goodbye, school. Hello, P-EBT.Pandemic EBT from DSHS!

    This summer, families whose students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, or whose students attend a CEP school, will receive in the mail a letter and one Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) card per student enrolled during the month of June, in an eligible North Thurston Public School. These cards will have $120 on them and are federally funded.

    Visit Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for more information about this program.

    The Public Charge rule does not apply to P-EBT and will not impact immigration status.

    What do you need to do?

    • Families must have applied and qualified for free or reduced-price meal benefits prior to the end of SY 2022-2023, and their student must be enrolled in an eligible school on the last day of school, June 22nd.
    • Student is enrolled in a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) School [Chambers Prairie Elementary, Lacey Elementary, Lydia Hawk Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Pleasant Glade Elementary, Nisqually Middle School, and Envision Career Academy].
    • If your family has received a P-EBT card in the past, you will receive a letter and existing P-EBT cards will be re-loaded with funds. If you do not have your P-EBT cards anymore, you can call the P-EBT Contact Center at 1-833-518-0282.
    • Families who have never received a P-EBT card will receive a letter and card(s) in the mail. The letters will also include information for families who wish to decline P-EBT benefits. Funds cannot be gifted or donated.
    • If you have changed addresses this school year, please make sure your current address is updated at your students' school building.
    • NTPS does not have information about when funds will be added to the P-EBT cards and recommends signing up for text message alerts about the status of your child's P-EBT. Sign up here: P-EBT Text Alerts.

    For the latest information regarding P-EBT benefits, please visit the DSHS-P-EBT page. We are highlighting some key information from their website below:

    Questions about Free & Reduced Lunch eligibility? Contact NTPS Food & Nutrition: 360-412-4446

    Questions about P-EBT benefits? Contact the P-EBT Call Center: 1-833-518-0282 (Operates M-F 8 am - 5 pm)

    Wait times for the Call Center can be lengthy.  More help can be found at ebtEDGE or download the app (iOS or Android)

P-EBT FAQ

  • What are Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Benefits?

  • Who is eligible for P-EBT?

  • How can P-EBT benefits be used?

  • How do families apply?

  • How do I find out if my child will receive P-EBT benefits?

  • How much will families get?

  • When will P-EBT cards arrive?

  • What do I need to do when the new P-EBT card arrives in the mail?

  • I am facing homelessness. How do I get my P-EBT card?

  • My child didn't receive a notice or P-EBT card, what should I do?

  • Can I put these benefits on my existing food EBT card?

  • I receive food assistance (including $0 benefit). Do I automatically qualify for P-EBT?

  • If I get P-EBT benefits, will it affect my immigration status or make me a public charge?

  • P-EBT benefits are not covering all my costs; I need more assistance. Who do I contact?

  • Are there any other food benefits available?

  • We do not need these benefits. Can I decline them?