PARENTS in New York should be on the lookout for an EBT benefit – even if they did not apply for pandemic assistance.
The pandemic benefit is meant to make up for federally subsidized school lunches that were not available when school was taught remotely.
Almost all New York students who had their school year significantly altered during the 2020-2021 year are eligible for the benefit.
The benefit is for around $375 and was sent out to parents of New York students regardless of income.
The food benefits are being provided through a federal program administered by the state to help cover the costs of meals children would have normally received had they been in school.
Since the benefit is automatic, cards were already sent out.
These EBT cards are not technically part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but the same benefits and restrictions on how the money can be used do apply.
If you already threw out the card by accident, you can request a new one by calling 1-888-328-6399.
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Families cannot return the money and will be eligible for the benefit regardless of income.
Once you get the card, you will need to set up a PIN to access the funds on it.
A PIN can be set up over the phone by calling 1-888-328-6399.
If you receive a card and do not wish to use it, the US Department of Agriculture recommends disposing of it by cutting the magnetic strip or shredding it.