Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, families that qualify for free or reduced price meals at school may be eligible for a new one-time Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) of up to $302 per child (Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12) to help cover the cost of meals students have eaten at home on days that schools have been closed. Students can receive P-EBT benefits even if they have been or continue to receive meals provided by the school district during the school closure. If your child was not previously eligible for free or reduced price meals, but you have now lost income, you may be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits (review the P-EBT Eligibility Criteria document below).

 

The benefit is placed on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card families use to buy food. If you received Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits prior to school closure, do not apply for these new/additional benefits. The full $302 will automatically be loaded to your existing EBT card. If you did not receive Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits prior to the school closure, you must apply for this benefit by June 30, 2020 (see below).

 Please review the following instructions carefully:

The most efficient way to apply is to submit your application online at EmergencyMealSurvey.com/MO. Although you are likely experience a faster approval process it may take 2-3 weeks before you receive the benefit. If you’re not able to apply online, you can follow the link below to the paper application. The fillable PDF document can then be emailed or mailed to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  A photo taken of the PDF application and emailed is not an acceptable form of application and may be denied. Make sure the PDF is complete prior to emailing.  An incomplete application includes, incorrect spelling of student name, missing student full last name, first name, nicknames, incorrect date of birth, incorrect school district/school name, or missing signature may result in a denied application.  Screenshots and snip images of the application may also be denied.  You will find complete instructions and additional details in the letter to families below.

 

Please review these important documents carefully:

 Please do not send completed applications to your school; see the letter to families above for application submission information.

 The Department of Social Services (DSS) will send families a letter indicating they are approved or denied. If you have questions on how to apply for the P-EBT benefit, contact DSS through the online chat feature at mydss.mo.gov or call 855-373-4636. For more information on the EBT card, visit: mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/ebt.