Supplemental P-EBT auto-issuance begins next week

TOPEKA – Kansas families with school-aged children will receive a one-time benefit of $120 per child as part of the Supplemental Pandemic Electronic Benefit (P-EBT) program. A total of $13.6 million will be distributed to approximately 114,000 school-aged children in January.

“The Supplemental P-EBT program helps parents and care providers access nutritious food for their families,” said Laura Howard, Secretary Kansas Department for Children and Families. “I am pleased that we are able to provide this benefit to Kansas children to reduce food insecurity for our youngest citizens.”

Supplemental P-EBT, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the American Rescue Plan Act, is designed to benefit school-aged children who received free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program during the 2022-23 school year. Due to the complexity of gathering the data, the benefit is for the summer months of June, July, and August of 2023.

The benefit distribution will be auto-issued through a direct certification process Jan. 17-26. Parents and guardians who believe their children are eligible, but do not receive a benefit in January may request the Supplemental benefit using the DCF Self-Service Portal Feb. 1-29, 2024.

Recipients may use their P-EBT funds to purchase eligible foods from approved retailers that accept Food Assistance benefits like grocery stores and online at Aldi, Amazon, or Walmart. For additional information visit www.dcf.ks.gov, Food Assistance.

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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offers a wide range of support services including food, utility, and child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities and other agencies to support families, children and vulnerable adults connecting them with resources, supports and networks in their home communities.