$120 SUN Bucks Payment: The SUN Bucks program, established by the federal law known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December 2022, aims to assist families with school-age children in purchasing groceries during the summer months when access to school meals may be limited. California has also joined the SUN Bucks Program, with the California Department of Social Services and the California Department of Education working together to implement it.
In the summer of 2024, approximately 5 million eligible children will be automatically enrolled based on existing school and social services data, providing them with financial assistance to purchase meals. Roughly 34 states offer Summer EBT or SUN Bucks to eligible families. Some tribes will be provided with SNAP beneficiaries with USD 120, where SUN Bucks are not available. Eligible families with children in school who are already receiving SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR benefits may not need to apply separately for SUN Bucks. Also, families with children who attend school and participate in the NSLP or SBP may qualify for SUN Bucks.
Families with school-age children who are enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, CalFresh (SNAP), or receive free or reduced-price school meals often qualify automatically for SUN Bucks. Unlike SNAP benefits, in most cases, there is no separate application process required. While some individuals may need to apply, there is typically ample time to complete the application before the deadline.
SUN Bucks are distributed on an EBT card, with each eligible child in the family receiving one card loaded with $120 for purchasing groceries – equivalent to $40 per month for June, July, and August. They can use the EBT card at most grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and authorized retailers, including online stores like Amazon and Walmart.
It is important to note that SUN Bucks cannot be used for purchasing hot foods, pet foods, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine. However, families can combine SUN Bucks with other food assistance programs such as summer meals, CalFresh, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to support their nutritional needs.
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Advantages of SUN Bucks
Throughout the summer season when educational institutions are not in session, disadvantaged families with school-aged children have the opportunity to receive assistance for purchasing groceries via SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT. The benefits will be disbursed in multiple installments beginning in June, with each eligible child receiving a one-time payment of $120 for the summer period.
- Facilitates the acquisition of nutritious foods for children by parents and caregivers.
- Empower families to select meals that align with their lifestyle and cultural preferences.
- Improves children’s engagement in terms of food security and nutritional quality.
Eligibility criteria for Sun Bucks Program
- Eligibility criteria for children include being part of a household currently receiving benefits from income-based Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, or being a school-age child classified as a foster child due to being migratory, homeless, or a state ward.
- Additionally, children attending a school participating in the NSLP or SBP may qualify if the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price meals.
Deadline of this SUN Bucks Payment
- The deadline to participate in the SUN Bucks Program in California is August 31, 2024.
- To claim your SUN Bucks, you must submit an Alternative Income Form or apply for school meals as required by your child’s school.
- The projected card delivery schedule is as follows: for last names starting with A through D, cards will be delivered in mid-June; for last names starting with E through L, cards will be delivered in July; and for last names starting with M through Z, cards will be delivered in August.
- You can verify the delivery date of your card by checking the SUN Bucks or SNAP Summer EBT payment Date 2024. Please note that you should only apply if you do not already receive benefits from Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh.
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How much SUMER EBT amount they will get?
- The SUN Bucks card users are eligible to receive a maximum of $120 per child.
- Regardless of the month in which the card is received, whether it is June, July, or August, each child will be entitled to the full $120 amount.
- It is important to create a confidential personal identification number immediately upon receiving the SUN Bucks card.
- Once this step is completed, you may proceed with grocery shopping.
- Before making any purchases, ensure that the supermarket or farmer’s market you plan to visit accepts SUN Bucks cards.
How to activate the SUN Bucks card?
To activate your SUN Bucks Card, please contact the EBT Customer Service Center at (877) 328-9677. Once you have your new card, you can set a PIN by choosing Option 4. To activate your card, you will need to provide the following information:
- On the front of your card the number written should be of 16 digits.
- Zip code of your mailing address is must.
- The child’s six-digit DOB associated with the card.
How do I request SUN Bucks?
Depending on your child’s eligibility:
- If your child (6–18 years old) is receiving Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh (at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Line), there is no need for you to apply.
- If your child is already enrolled in school meals or has submitted an Alternative Income Form, and attends a school that is part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the School Breakfast Program (SBP), there is no need to apply for SUN Bucks. Your child will automatically receive a SUN Bucks card.
- For children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals but have not yet received certification, make sure they fill out an Alternative Income Form or school meal application at their child’s school before August 31, 2024. Visit the district office to fill out any form if your child’s school is closed.