Summer EBT or SUN Bucks is new program from US Government, it will provide money this summer to help children’s in buying meals. A permanent, countrywide Summer EBT program was approved by the federal government in December 2022 to help children have access to food throughout the summer.
DSHS was granted federal authority to operate the program in April 2024. Early July will see the mailing of new SUN Bucks cards with the benefits, which include a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible kid in each home.
SUN Bucks Card
Only roughly 34 states provide Summer EBT or SUN Bucks. Even in states where SUN Bucks are not available, some tribes provide SNAP beneficiaries with USD 120. There may be no need to apply if you are eligible for SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR and have children in school. SUN Bucks can also be shared to the families whose kids attend school and participate in the NSLP or SBP.
When a family with school-age children receives Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, CalFresh (SNAP), or free or reduced-price school meals, they often qualify automatically. In most circumstances, there is no application required, unlike SNAP benefits. Some individuals might need to apply, however, you still have plenty of time to complete the task before the deadline expires.
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What is the SUN Bucks program?
With the help of SUN Bucks, a brand-new benefits program, families may purchase food for their qualified school-age children for $120 throughout the summer months. Many children lose their access to free and reduced-price meals at school during the summer, and families may require some additional assistance with meal preparation. While most qualifying families would automatically get these benefits, some parents may have to submit an application. Families that automatically qualify have received an email.
Benefits of SUN Bucks
During the summer months when schools are closed, low-income families with school-age children can get benefits for grocery shopping through SUN Bucks, commonly called Summer EBT. Benefits will be distributed in many stages starting in June, with each qualified kid receiving a single payment of $120 for the summer.
- Aids in the purchase of healthful foods for kids by parents and caregivers.
- Allows families the freedom to choose meals that suit their way of life and culture.
- Enhances the children’s participation in terms of food security and diet quality
Eligibility – Children are qualify if-
- The household now receives benefits from income-based Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, or
- The school-age kid is considered a foster child if they are migratory, homeless, or state wards.
- The child attends a school that takes part in the NSLP or SBP, and the household income is high enough to qualify for free or RPSM.
Deadline for SUN Bucks Program
- In California, you have until August 31, 2024, to claim your SUN Bucks. However, your child’s school requires that you submit an Alternative Income Form or an application for school meals.
- For your reference, the following is the projected card delivery per last name and month. For last names beginning with A through D, mid-June is the time. It’s letter E-L in July. Lastly, the date for those whose last name begins with M through Z is August.
- You may check if you are receiving your card on time by using this SUN Bucks or SNAP Summer EBT payment Date 2024. Please only apply if you do not receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh.
SNAP Summer EBT or SUN Bucks Amount 2024
Under the SUN Bucks program, qualifying families can get up to $120 for each kid. No matter when you receive the card in June, July, or August each child will receive the same $120. Make a secret personal identification number as soon as you have your SUN Bucks card. You may then go grocery shopping after doing this. Remember to confirm if the supermarket or farmer’s market you visit takes Sun Bucks cards.
How to activate SUN Bucks Card?
Call (877) 328-9677 to reach the EBT Customer Service Center and activate your card. For your new card, you can set a PIN by selecting Option 4. To activate your card, you will provide the following details:
- Your card’s 16-digit card number, which is located on the front
- Your mailing address’s zip code
- The card bears the child’s six-digit birthdate.
How can I apply for 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. Your child will receive an automatic SUN Bucks card.
- If you have already applied and been approved for school meals or an Alternative Income Form for your child, and your child (ages 0 to 22) attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the School Breakfast Program (SBP), then you do not need to apply for SUN Bucks. Your child will receive an automatic 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 in the event that your child’s school is closed.
Niamh Prescott has a degree in Mass Communication and an MBA in Finance. She has worked for two media houses and is now running her own media company.
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