Since schools are closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, children who usually get free or reduced price school meals through the National School Lunch Program can instead get temporary food benefits. These benefits are called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT. Children can get these benefits in addition to any other school meals they are getting.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is automatically providing these benefits to most children who usually get free or reduced price school meals based on information they have on file. If the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is able to verify your information, the benefits will automatically be provided on your QUEST card if you have one or on a P-EBT card you will get in the mail. You can use these cards like a debit card to buy food. You will get a letter in the mail letting you know if you are automatically getting the benefits. You may also get an email in addition to the mailed letter. See more information about these benefits and how you will be notified.
If the Wisconsin Department of Health Services does not have your information or is not able to verify your information, you will need to apply for the benefits. If you have not been notified that you are automatically getting these benefits by May 20, please complete this application. You must apply for the benefits by June 30.
It is very important that the information you provide for each child who usually gets free or reduced price school meals exactly matches the information your school has on file. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services will look at that information to make sure you can get the benefits.
If you apply and your information cannot be verified, please check with us to make sure your information is correct. You can contact us at 715-445-2411. We will work with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to make sure the correct information is on file.
For more information about these benefits, please read this flyer.