P-EBT Deposit Dates 2026: The Program Has Ended
Searching for P-EBT dates? Here is the honest answer up front: P-EBT is over, and there are no new P-EBT deposits in 2026. But the benefit most families are actually looking for still exists — it just has a new name.
What happened to P-EBT
- P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) was created in 2020 to replace school meals missed during COVID closures. Its federal authority expired, and the final P-EBT benefits covered summer 2023.
- It was replaced by a permanent program: Summer EBT, branded "SUN Bucks" — running every summer since 2024.
- SUN Bucks pays eligible school-age kids a summer grocery benefit (around $120 per child in recent years), loaded on an EBT card between roughly June and August.
Still have an old P-EBT card?
If it shows a balance, you can generally spend it like SNAP — but states remove unused pandemic-era balances after long inactivity, so many old cards have already been emptied. Call the customer service number printed on the back of the card to check, and spend any remaining funds promptly. Lost cards can be replaced through the same number while a balance remains.
Looking for your monthly SNAP deposit instead?
Regular monthly food benefits (SNAP) were never part of P-EBT and continue as normal. Every state staggers monthly deposits by case number, SSN, or last name — find your exact date with the free lookup here.
Frequently asked questions
Are there P-EBT deposit dates in 2026?
No. P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) was a temporary COVID-era program, and its federal authority has ended — the final P-EBT benefits covered summer 2023. No state is issuing new P-EBT payments in 2026.
What replaced P-EBT?
Summer EBT, branded SUN Bucks — a permanent program that started in summer 2024. It pays eligible school-age children a summer grocery benefit (around $120 per child in recent years) on an EBT card, usually issued between June and August.
Can I still use money on my old P-EBT card?
Maybe. If the card still shows a balance, you can generally spend it like SNAP. But states remove old unused pandemic-era balances after extended inactivity, so many old cards have been emptied. Call the number on the back of the card to check the balance, and use anything left as soon as possible.
I was told my child would get summer food money — when does it come?
That is the Summer EBT / SUN Bucks benefit. Most participating states load it between June and August, in batches. See our Summer EBT page for how it works and how to check your state's timing.
I'm looking for my regular monthly food stamp deposit date.
That's your normal SNAP schedule, which is separate from P-EBT. Every state staggers monthly SNAP deposits by case number, SSN, or last name — use the state lookup on our homepage to find your exact date.
This is an independent reference site, not affiliated with the USDA or any state agency. Always confirm program details with your state agency.