The Department of Family and the Administration for Socioeconomic Development of the Family (ADSEF) announced that approximately 332,775 students who receive school meal services may be eligible for a special payment of $180 to support food security during the school recess. The funds come from the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, with Puerto Rico receiving a federal allocation of $59.9 million, $1 million more than last year.
The benefit will be available to families with students enrolled in 1,025 participating schools, including 858 public and 167 private schools. The initial disbursement will be available from July 4 to August 30 and can only be used to purchase eligible food at authorized stores.
Families who have previously received the Summer EBT benefit will receive it automatically, while new participants must validate their data on the Summer EBT platform. Eligible minors must be between 5 and 18 years old, or up to 21 years old if in special education programs.