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Deadline for families to apply for virus benefits extended to July 13

Families across Tennessee still have time to apply for an important program designed to help support them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services has extended the deadline to apply for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program until 5:30 p.m. (EDT) Monday, July 13.

P-EBT provides parents with $5.70 in food benefits per child for each day that child qualifies.

To be eligible, children must receive free or reduced meals at school or attend a Community Eligibility Provision school.

Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits do not need to apply as their benefits will be automatically applied to their existing EBT cards.

P-EBT is designed to replace meals lost during the months of March, April, and May due to COVID- 19 school closures.

Qualifying families who do not receive SNAP or TANF will receive a P-EBT card in the mail in July that can be used to purchase food at any establishment that accepts EBT, or online with Amazon and Walmart.

Individuals who need assistance completing their P-EBT applications or have general questions about the program are encouraged to call the TDHS hotline at 833-496-0661.