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Kentucky

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on June 8, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Kentucky, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Resources portal or the Louisville Metro COVID-19 Response website.

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Description of Program and Relief

Emergency Food Benefit (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program) For Families With Students Receiving Free or Reduced Price School Meals

Beginning May 23, Kentucky families with students who normally receive free or reduced-price meals at school may get financial assistance to replace those meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program.

The P-EBT program provides households an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card with benefits equal to the value of breakfasts and lunches a student was not able to receive during the days schools were closed. Households can use these benefits for grocery items eligible under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).

The plan will provide each eligible student with up to $313.50 for the time period of March through May to help with nutritional support during the time that schools have been closed during the pandemic.

Families who already receive assistance can receive P-EBT in addition to other benefits their household may get. Children who already receive SNAP, Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) assistance, Kinship Care or Medicaid will automatically receive P-EBT on their EBT cards and do not need to apply separately. P-EBT benefits will be added to existing EBT cards no later than May 28. Students who became eligible for free or reduced lunch after March 13 are eligible for P-EBT.

Government or Lead Agency

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and Kentucky Department of Education

Dates Available

Effective May 23, 2020.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

  • Children who attend public or private school and are eligible for free or reduced-price school meal; and/or

  • Children who attend schools that provide free meals to all students

Even if a school was able to provide some meals during this period, a household is still eligible for P-EBT benefits.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

New households can apply between June 2, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

Contact for More Information

To apply for P-EBT, visit www.benefind.ky.gov.

List of Additional Information

More information can be found here and here.


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