One of the most frequently asked questions among parents in Texas is whether or not their children who are being homeschooled are eligible for P-EBT. P-EBT is an entitlement program that provides benefits to cover the cost of breakfast, lunch, and snacks for a child who has been approved for free or reduced meals.
So, can homeschoolers receive these benefits through P-EBT in Texas? This article will provide you with the answers you need.
What is P-EBT and How Does it Work?
P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a federal and state program which provides funds to families with children in order to cover the cost of meals. The funds are intended to help families offset the costs of meals while they are home learning instead of attending school. The funds are loaded onto a card which can be used to purchase groceries and other essentials.
P-EBT works in a similar manner to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program). It allows families to purchase food online and through participating retailers.
Families may also be eligible for other forms of assistance, such as groceries delivered to their home. The program is administered by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and is available to certain families in all 254 counties in the state.
Do Homeschoolers in Texas Qualify for P-EBT?
Yes, homeschoolers in Texas are eligible for P-EBT benefits. The program is not limited to children who attend public or private schools.
Families that meet income requirements and whose child has returned home to be homeschooled and is receiving no meals in the home or at the site of instruction are eligible to receive these benefits. In order to qualify, families must meet income guidelines and the student must have returned home to be homeschooled and must be on a free breakfast and free lunch plan in their district, or must live in a foster home. The student must also not be receiving meals or snacks from any program or from the site of instruction.
What Is the Application Process for P-EBT?
The process for applying for P-EBT is relatively simple. First, you must create an account on the Texas P-EBT website. You can then enter your child’s information, including their name, address, state of residence, email address, and income information.
You will also need to enter information about the district from which your child would have received meals had they not been homeschooled. Once you have submitted the required information, the Department of Health and Human Services will review the information and, if all eligibility criteria are met, issue an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
The card will be mailed to the address you provided.
How Do I Receive the Benefits?
Once your application has been approved and your EBT card is issued, you can use it to make purchases of authorized food items. You can purchase food online or in-person at participating retailers. In-store purchases are limited to $200 per card per month, and online purchases are limited to no more than $200 per week.
What Type of Food Can I Purchase With my EBT Card?
The types of food that can be purchased using your P-EBT card are basic elements of a nutritious diet, such as breads, cereals, vegetables, fruits, and meat products. Certain snacks and non-food items, such as basic hygiene products, are also eligible for purchase with an EBT card.
More information about specific items that can be purchased is available on the website for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
How Much in Benefits Can My Family Receive?
The amount of benefits that are issued to families through P-EBT is based on the family’s income and the number of days the student was not receiving meals in the home or at the site of instruction. The average benefit amount is around $
00 per day per child, but this amount could vary depending on the family’s income and other factors.
How Long Does It Take to Receive The Benefits?
Once you have completed your application and submitted all the required information, it typically takes around two weeks for benefits to be added to your EBT card.
Am I Required to Report Changes to My Family’s Income or Information?
Yes, it is important to know that if there are any changes to a family’s income or other information, that information must be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services. If the family’s income changes by more than $500 in a month, the family should report the information within 10 days and provide supporting documents, such as a bank statement. This information can be reported online.
What Happens When My Child Returns to School?
Once a child returns to school, the parent must contact their district’s office to let them know the child is no longer homeschooled and will no longer need access to P-EBT benefits. The parent is then responsible for returning the P-EBT card and any remaining funds.
Can I Transfer P-EBT Funds to Another Card?
No, P-EBT funds cannot be transferred to another card. The card must be used by the person for whom it was issued and cannot be used for another person or for any other form of payment.
Are There Limits to How Much I Can Spend With My Card?
Yes, the total amount of benefits available on the EBT card is limited. In-store purchases are limited to $200 per month, and online purchases are limited to $200 per week.
If the family has remaining funds, they must be used within a certain amount of time; however, that time frame may vary depending on the state.
Can I Return Items I Purchase With My EBT Card?
Yes, items purchased with an EBT card may be returned as long as they have not been used. The store’s return policies will apply.
What are the Rules for Using My Card in Different States?
Your EBT card can be used to access benefits in most states; however, it is important to check with the state’s Office of Family Support to make sure the state participates in the program. The rules for using an EBT card in different states may vary.
Conclusion
This article has answered the question of whether homeschoolers in Texas are eligible for P-EBT. The answer is yes; however, families must meet certain requirements in order to receive benefits.
The process for applying and receiving benefits is relatively simple and the amount of benefits provided is dependent on the family’s income and the number of days the student was not receiving meals. It is also important to note that there are limits to what can be purchased with the EBT card and the rules for using the card in different states may differ.