USVI Public Records

Document text

1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 www.dhs.vi.gov GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Press Contact: Ryan Nugent Director of Communications Ryan.nugent@dhs.vi.gov Phone: (340) 718-2980 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Monday, November 27, 2023 DHS LAUNCHES NEW ROUND OF P-EBT FOR SELECTED STUDENTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The VI Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has approved the Virgin Islands School Year 2022-2023 Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Territorial Plan for School Children. What is P-EBT? P-EBT was funded by the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) as amended by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). P-EBT, an abbreviation for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, is a benefit that basically provides food assistance via an Electronic Benefit Card that can be used in participating grocery stores and convenience stores for food items. Unlike regular SNAP, which is renewable based on eligibility, P-EBT is a one-time benefit issuance for a particular School Year. Changes in in PEBT Process: This round of P-EBT is different from previous rounds because parents or guardians whose children were enrolled in virtual school or homeschool are required to complete an application to confirm that the children were indeed enrolled in virtual learning or homeschooled due to COVID related concerns. What is Virtual Learning Mode? Virtual Learning Mode refers to a student participating in educational instruction using web based or on-line technology for courses of study. Who is eligible for P-EBT for School Children for School Year 2022-2023? 1. Students who were enrolled and attended virtual school in 2022- 2023 due to a COVID related concern. 2. Students who were absent for 5 consecutive days due to sickness. VI Department of Education provided the information for the absences. 3. Students who were absent from school for 1 to 4 consecutive days due to COVID related concerns. Parents or guardians must complete an application confirming the COVID related absence. The Department of Human Services will verify the absences with VI Department of Education. 1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 www.dhs.vi.gov 4. Students who were Home Schooled for the School Year 2022- 2023 and were previously enrolled in a school which participated in a National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Application Process DHS has already identified virtual and homeschooled students and contacted parents through various means. Eligible parents are urged to return the application by December 1, 2023, for consideration. Additionally, parents of students absent for 1 to 4 consecutive days are requested to contact the Department of Human Services to complete an application, with a submission deadline of December 1, 2023. Contact Information: For inquiries and submissions: Email: pebt@dhs.vi.gov Telephone: pebt hotline: (340) 772-7120 DHS Issuance Office (St. Croix) (340) 772-7100 ext. 7199, 7025, (340) 772-7103 DHS Issuance Office St. Thomas (340) 774-0930 ext. 4386, 4387, 4388 Applications can be returned to: DHS Issuance Office (St. Croix) DHS Issuance Office (St. Thomas) Mailing Address – St. Thomas 1303 Hospital Ground, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands00802 Mailing Address- St. Croix 4102 Mars Hill, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00840 Email: pebt@dhs.vi.gov The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non-judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. Please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs). The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov