Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program

January 26. 2024


Maryland’s P-EBT Program Has Ended

Maryland’s Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program will ended on December 31, 2023. Due to the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and changes in federal law, the state is not able to make any P-EBT assistance payments after this date.

Here are three important things to know about the end of the state’s P-EBT program:

  • Your available P-EBT benefits will remain on your card as long as you use the card once every 274 days.
  • Your benefits will be expunged (or removed) from your account after nine months of inactivity on your card. The State is not able to reimburse or restore expunged benefits.
  • The P-EBT Customer inquiry form will remain active for any inquiries related to P-EBT until March 31. 2024.

P-EBT Scam Alert

Be aware of a scam using texting to obtain your personal information.

The official Maryland EBT/P-EBT customer service phone line is 1-800-997-2222. This is the only number that should be used for inquiries related to your card. The customer service call center can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days to order a new card, inquire about your balance or change your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your EBT information can also be accessed via a secure website at https://www.connectebt.com/mdebtclient/

EBT Card - Lock/Unlock is here!

NEW: EBT Card Lock Feature

EBT cardholders now have a quick and easy way to protect their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Use the new Card Lock/Unlock feature to secure your food and cash benefits today. Click here to learn how to use Card Lock/Unlock and protect your benefits.

Expungement of EBT Benefits

  • Expungement is the removal of unused benefits from the EBT card due to inactivity.
  • Benefits will be expunged after 274 days of inactivity. If there are remaining benefits on your P-EBT card, it is important that you use your card at least once every 9 months to prevent the benefits from being expunged.
  • The State is not able to restore expunged benefits.

How To Inquire About EBT Eligibility and/or Issuance?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding issuance, please click the below link and provide all required information

Customer Inquiry Form

Additional Resources

Families who believe their child may be eligible should contact their school. The school will guide families through the application process.