Frequently Asked Questions about P-EBT

Why did I receive a P-EBT card? How can I use it?

New families that are eligible to receive the summer P-EBT (eligible through the National School Lunch Program) will receive one new P-EBT card for each eligible student in their household (one card per eligible student). Learn more about using a P-EBT card.

When will I receive my P-EBT card?

Due to the number of school-aged children we received from the Arizona Department of Education, the processing will take several weeks to complete. For newly eligible school-aged children who received a letter stating they will receive a P-EBT card in the mail in your student’s name, the card manufacturer has provided the following estimated dates when they will be sending the cards to the United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.). Please allow up to 10 days from the vendor's estimated date for the U.S.P.S. to deliver your P-EBT card. View your estimated P-EBT card mailing date.

What if I move or need to change my address?

If you need to update a mailing address for your child’s Summer 2023 P-EBT case, please check the P-EBT Issuance Schedule. Households needing to update mailing addresses are able to do so mid-week after your child’s school district has been processed on the schedule by calling the P-EBT hotline at 1 (844) 841-3802. We are not able to take address changes for school districts that have future processing dates on the schedule until those dates have passed and we can access your child’s case.

When you are reporting an address change with DES, please also ensure that your child’s school has your current address and a recently completed National School Lunch Program (NLSP) form.

I didn’t get my P-EBT card or lost/damaged it. What should I do?

Before you call FIS Customer Service, you will need to have your P-EBT case number.  When you have your P-EBT case number, call FIS Customer Service at 1-888-997-9333 (TTY: 1-800-367-8939).

If you do not know your P-EBT case number, call the P-EBT hotline at 1 (844) 841-3802 before calling FIS Customer Service.

For more information about your P-EBT card, see Using a P-EBT Card.

I received a P-EBT card but don’t want to receive or use this benefit. What should I do?

If you don’t want this benefit, please cut up the P-EBT card and dispose of it. You do not need to take any further action.

How long do I have to use my benefits?

Benefits can be used for nine months from the last time they were used or issued, whichever is later. DES sends a letter reminding you to use the benefits before removing any benefits from your card.

What if I disagree with the P-EBT benefit amount I received or didn’t get P-EBT benefits for my child, but think I should have?

You have the right to dispute actions taken or not taken regarding your P-EBT benefits and receive an Administrative Review.

** For P-EBT disputes related to P-EBT benefit guardianship matters (example: a parent or guardian who doesn’t have the child is receiving the P-EBT benefits for the child) contact DES to request an Administrative Review by:

Sending a letter which includes your telephone number to the following address:

Department of Economic Security
P-EBT Guardianship Dispute
PO Box 19009
Phoenix AZ 85005-9009

I don’t need P-EBT benefits, but my neighbor does. Can I give her my P-EBT card and PIN?

No, it is illegal to sell, trade, or give your P-EBT benefits to another person. Keep your PIN secret and change it monthly. Lost or stolen benefits will not be replaced.