CHARLOTTE AMALIE – The VI Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced that the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has approved the Virgin
Islands School Year 2022-2023 Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Territorial Plan for
School Children.
What is P-EBT?
P-EBT was funded by the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) as amended by the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). P-EBT, an abbreviation for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer,
is a benefit that basically provides food assistance via an Electronic Benefit Card that can be used in
participating grocery stores and convenience stores for food items. Unlike regular SNAP, which is
renewable based on eligibility, P-EBT is a one-time benefit issuance for a particular School Year.
Changes in in PEBT Process:
This round of P-EBT is different from previous rounds because parents or guardians whose children
were enrolled in virtual school or homeschool are required to complete an application to confirm that the children were indeed enrolled in virtual learning or homeschooled due to COVID related
concerns.
What is Virtual Learning Mode?
Virtual Learning Mode refers to a student participating in educational instruction using web based or on-line technology for courses of study.
Who is eligible for P-EBT for School Children for School Year 2022-2023?
- Students who were enrolled and attended virtual school in 2022- 2023 due to a COVID
related concern. - Students who were absent for 5 consecutive days due to sickness. VI Department of
Education provided the information for the absences. - Students who were absent from school for 1 to 4 consecutive days due to COVID related
concerns. Parents or guardians must complete an application confirming the
COVID related absence. The Department of Human Services will verify the absences with VI
Department of Education. - Students who were Home Schooled for the School Year 2022- 2023 and were previously
enrolled in a school which participated in a National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Application Process
DHS has already identified virtual and homeschooled students and contacted parents through
various means. Eligible parents are urged to return the application by December 1, 2023, for
consideration. Additionally, parents of students absent for 1 to 4 consecutive days are requested to
contact the Department of Human Services to complete an application, with a submission deadline
of December 1, 2023.
Contact Information:
For inquiries and submissions:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: pebt hotline: (340) 772-7120
DHS Issuance Office (St. Croix) (340) 772-7100 ext. 7199, 7025, (340) 772-7103
DHS Issuance Office St. Thomas (340) 774-0930 ext. 4386, 4387, 4388
Applications can be returned to:
DHS Issuance Office (St. Croix)
DHS Issuance Office (St. Thomas)
Mailing Address – St. Thomas
1303 Hospital Ground, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands00802
Mailing Address- St. Croix
4102 Mars Hill, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00840
Email: [email protected]