P-EBT Benefits

The Minnesota Department of Education recently released its guidance for Pandemic- Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) for students. The guidance for students physically attending an ISD 728 school is the same as last year. New this year is the opportunity for students attending homeschool or virtual school to qualify for benefits.The benefits, and qualification requirements, are listed below.

• Students who are enrolled in a traditional school with ISD 728 and are eligible for free or reduced-price meals will generate benefits if they are not able to access school meals due to a COVID-19 related absence.

• Parents do not need to submit an application, ISD 728 will submit these qualifying absences to the State and the benefits will be added to a P-EBT card. Parents who do not have a card will be sent a card from the Minnesota Department of Health.

• All students who are enrolled in a traditional school with ISD 728 and are eligible for free or reduced-price meals will generate summer benefits regardless of whether or not they had a COVID-19 related absence during the school year.

• If you have questions about meal program eligibility, please contact: Patti Naugle.

• Students who are enrolled full-time with Online728 or Homeschool will generate benefits if they meet the following eligibility requirements:
• The student attended a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) after 12/27/2020 (or would have attended if old enough to enter school) and is presently a full-time student in either Online278 or Homeschool.
• The student would qualify for participation in the NSLP if they were attending a traditional school. (Income verification will be required during the application process.)
• The parents attest to the fact that they are homeschooling their child or having them attend Online728 due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

• If your child meets these requirements, parents should review the Instructions and submit an Application for P-EBT Benefits for Homeschool or Virtual Students by no later than June 1, 2023 to: ISD 728 District Office, Attn: Laura Orwoll, 11500 193rd Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330.  To access Frequently Asked Questions, click here.