As the new school year begins this week, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program.
The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline approaching on September 2nd, it's crucial for eligible families to act now.
Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Department of Education are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.
Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28th, if their households participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are Oregon Health Plan members in households with incomes under 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. However, families who did not receive benefits automatically -- particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast programs -- should still apply to determine their eligibility.
Families are encouraged to visit "sebt.oregon.gov" or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 1-(833)-ORE-SEBT to verify their eligibility and apply.
Act now and don't let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your families receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before next Monday.
