Pandemic-EBT
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June 15 is the final application deadline for the program. No further extension will be announced.
The agencies also announced a slight delay in the timeline for mailed benefits for parents who applied between May 18 and May 25, during the program's first week of applications. While the vast majority of P-EBT cards for this first group were expected to arrive in Louisiana mailboxes by the first part of this week, DCFS has been notified by its contractor that recipients should expect a delay of several days. Updates will be provided as they become available.
Amid the ongoing public health crisis, Louisiana has been approved for the new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. This program will provide extra help buying groceries for the families of the more than 600,000 children who normally receive free and reduced-price meals at school.
Eligible families who complete an online application will be issued a P-EBT debit card by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to access benefits. The P-EBT card will function like a standard EBT card, and the same guidelines will apply. Families will receive $285 in total P-EBT benefits per child. Unused benefits will roll over month to month and must be used within 365 days.
As school facilities remain closed, households that meet the following criteria may now be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits to help them buy food for their children:
- Families with one or more children in their household
- Children normally receive free and reduced-price meals at school
Families must complete the online application to receive benefits. Without the requested information, DCFS cannot issue the P-EBT card and provide benefits. For more information, families can consult a list of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the LAHelpU Call Center at 1-888-524-3578.
Download a P-EBT Flyer
