P-EBT payments in New York arrive on different dates depending on which program you received them through and when the state processed your case

New York's P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) program ended in 2023, so no new P-EBT payments are being issued in 2024. If you received P-EBT in the past and are still waiting for a payment, it is likely a final or supplemental payment from an earlier cycle. The timing depends on whether you were in the school-year program (which ran through June 2023) or the summer program (which ended in September 2023).

If you have an active case and received P-EBT before, you may be confusing it with SNAP (food stamps), which continues year-round. SNAP payments arrive on a set schedule based on your case number. You can check your current benefits and payment dates by logging into your NY Benefits account or calling the SNAP hotline at 1-888-328-6399.

Key Takeaways

  • P-EBT ended in 2023; no new payments are being sent in 2024, though some final or supplemental payments from 2023 may still arrive.
  • School-year P-EBT (for students) ended in June 2023, and summer P-EBT ended in September 2023.
  • If you are waiting for food benefits now, check whether you have an active SNAP case, which has its own payment schedule based on your case number.
  • You can see your current benefits and payment dates through your NY Benefits account online or by calling 1-888-328-6399.

Why P-EBT ended and what replaced it

P-EBT was a temporary federal program created during the COVID-19 pandemic to replace free school meals when schools closed or operated remotely. As schools returned to full in-person operation and the federal public health emergency ended in May 2023, the program was discontinued. New York stopped issuing new P-EBT benefits after September 2023.

Students who were receiving P-EBT are now back on the regular school meal system. If your child attends a school that participates in the Community may be able to access Provision (CEP) or if your household meets income limits, they may still receive free or reduced-price meals through the standard National School Lunch Program. You do not need to do anything to keep this benefit — it continues automatically if your child was already enrolled.

If you are still waiting for a P-EBT payment from 2023

Some households received final or supplemental P-EBT payments after the main program ended. These payments were issued in waves through the fall of 2023 and into early 2024. If you received P-EBT before and are waiting for a final payment, it may still be on its way, though most have been distributed by now.

To check whether you have an outstanding P-EBT balance, you can call the NY Benefits customer service line at 1-888-328-6399 and ask about your P-EBT case. Have your Social Security number or case number ready. If a payment was issued to your card, it should have arrived within 7 to 10 business days of the issue date. If more than two weeks have passed since you were told a payment was sent, contact the helpline to report it as missing.

How to check your current food benefits in New York

If you need food support now, the main program available is SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also called food stamps. SNAP is a permanent federal program that provides monthly benefits to buy food. Payments arrive on an EBT card on a set day each month, determined by your case number.

To see your current SNAP benefits and payment date, log into your NY Benefits account at mybenefits.ny.gov. You can also call 1-888-328-6399 to speak with someone who can tell you your payment schedule. If you do not have an active SNAP case and think you may be may be able to access, you can start the process through the same website or by calling the number above.

What to do if your P-EBT card is lost or damaged

If you still have a P-EBT card from 2023 with a balance on it, you can use it to spend that balance at any store that accepts EBT. The card itself does not expire just because the program ended — you can use it as long as there is money on it.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call the NY Benefits customer service line at 1-888-328-6399 to request a replacement. They can issue a new card with the same balance. If your card was lost or stolen, report it right away so the balance cannot be used by someone else. A replacement card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Understanding the difference between P-EBT and SNAP

P-EBT and SNAP are two separate programs that sometimes overlap but work differently. P-EBT was temporary and tied to school closures or remote learning during the pandemic. SNAP is permanent and available to any household that meets income and other requirements, regardless of school status.

If you received P-EBT, it does not automatically mean you have SNAP. You may have been may be able to access for P-EBT because your child attended a school that may have access to, but your household income might be too high for SNAP. Conversely, you might be may be able to access for SNAP but never received P-EBT because your child's school did not participate in the program. These are separate determinations, and you need to check each one on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my P-EBT card from 2023 in 2024?

Yes, if there is still a balance on the card, you can use it to buy food at any store that accepts EBT. The card does not expire when the program ends — only the balance expires. Once you spend the money or it expires (usually one year after the last deposit), the card becomes inactive.

Will I get P-EBT again if my child goes to school remotely?

No. P-EBT was a temporary pandemic program and is not being restarted. Even if a school closes temporarily, students are not may be able to access for P-EBT. Your child may still receive free or reduced-price meals through the regular school lunch program if your household meets income limits or the school participates in Community may be able to access.

How do I know if I am may be able to access for SNAP now?

SNAP has income limits and other requirements that vary by household size. You can check whether you may be may be able to access by visiting mybenefits.ny.gov or calling 1-888-328-6399. You do not need to have received P-EBT to apply for SNAP — they are separate programs with separate rules.

What if I never received my P-EBT payment in 2023?

If you were told you were approved for P-EBT but never received a payment, call NY Benefits at 1-888-328-6399 with your case number or Social Security number. They can look up your case and tell you whether a payment was issued and where it went. If a payment was lost in the mail, they can reissue it.