OLGT 2023-62: Cross Program: P-EBT Benefits for Home-Schooled and Virtual Learners

As part of the plan for P-EBT benefits for School Year (SY) 2022-2023, virtual and home-schooled learners are able to apply for P-EBT benefits. Beginning August 25, 2023, virtual and home-schooled learners may only apply for P-EBT benefits via an online application on DTAConnect.com. Applications from home-schooled and virtual learners will not be processed by DTA staff. Master Data Management (MDM) will verify free or reduced lunch eligibility for SY 2022-2023 by looking at the historical benefit records from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 to determine if the applicant was, at any time, enrolled in an appropriate Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) benefit (i.e., qualifying MassHealth participant, was a foster child, or was receiving SSI). The Department of Early and Secondary Education (DESE) will review any P-EBT virtual & home-school applications not validated by MDM. Verifications provided for home-schooled or virtual P-EBT applicants will not be assigned to case managers or FAWs. These verifications will be reviewed by DESE for application processing.