All SNAP recipients in California may have received their CalFresh payments in August. Bear in mind that they run from the 1st to the 10th. However, some SUN Bucks may be on the way according to its payment schedule.
In fact, most eligible children do not need to apply for the SUN Bucks program in California. Although some people who do not receive CalFersh (SNAP) or similar benefits may have to apply.
What is the difference between SNAP payments and SUN Bucks in California?
SNAP offers year-round grocery assistance, while SUN Bucks fills summer food gaps for students. Children may qualify for both programs simultaneously. Each initiative has unique eligibility criteria, benefit levels, and payout timelines. SNAP’s continuous support contrasts with SUN Bucks’ seasonal focus, yet both aim to alleviate food insecurity. Their distinct rules and schedules cater to different needs within the community.
Purpose:
- SNAP (CalFresh in California) is a general food assistance program for low-income households.
- SUN Bucks is a summer grocery benefit specifically for eligible school-aged children.
Eligibility:
- SNAP has income and other eligibility requirements.
- Children automatically get SUN Bucks if their household receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medi-Cal, or qualifies for free or reduced school meals. Some families may need to apply.
Benefit Amount:
- SNAP benefit amounts vary based on household size and income.
- SUN Bucks provides a standard $120 per eligible child for the summer.
Distribution:
- SNAP benefits are loaded monthly onto an EBT card.
- SUN Bucks are distributed in stages over the summer via a separate SUN Bucks EBT card mailed to each eligible child.
Timing:
- SNAP benefits are issued monthly.
- SUN Bucks are a one-time summer payment, with cards mailed out based on the child’s last name between June-August.
SNAP paydays are over in August, but not SUN Bucks
According to the California Department of Social Services, the SUN Bucks card mailing schedules there can be payments in August. For your information, those who belong to stage 1 because they qualified automatically will receive a payment worth $120 from mid-June through August.
SUN Buck Cards, similar to the way CalFResh (SNAP) EBT cards work, have been and will be sent by mail in alphabetical order. Those whose child last name starts by letter A-D or E-L must have gotten their SUN Buck card in June or July respectively.
Some Stage 1 recipients can still get SUN Bucks through August if their last name starts with the letter M-Z. If you do not belong to the State 1 payment schedule, here is more information below. Remember that you can still submit a school meal application or Alternative Income Form before August 31, 2024.
What are the income and other eligibility requirements for SNAP in California?
Here are the key eligibility requirements for CalFresh (SNAP) in California:
Income Limits:
- Gross monthly income must generally be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For a household of 1, the gross monthly income limit is $2,430. For each additional person, add $858.
- Households with someone age 60+ or disabled only need to meet the net income limit of 100% FPL instead of the gross income limit. Net income is calculated after deductions.
Asset Limits:
- There is no asset/resource limit to qualify for CalFresh in California.
- However, if a household with an elderly/disabled member is over the gross income limit, they can alternatively qualify under federal rules with an asset limit of $4,250.
Other Requirements:
- Must be a resident of California
- Immigrants may qualify depending on their status
- College students and SSI recipients can be eligible
- Those experiencing homelessness can qualify
Household Size:
The income limits increase with each additional household member. A household includes those who purchase and prepare meals together.
Benefit Amounts (as of 10/1/2022):
- 1 person: up to $281/month
- 2 people: up to $516/month
- 3 people: up to $740/month
- 4 people: up to $939/month
- Amounts continue to increase with household size
If you did not qualify for SNAP, you may get SUN Bucks in stage 2
The Stage 2 will be for children who were not automatically enrolled in Stage 1 and were determined eligible after Stage 1 began. For example, they did not qualify for CalFresh, but they qualify for SNAP benefits now.
Others may not get SNAP but they submitted Alternative Income Forms. Or they sent School Meal Applications. It does not matter when you apply, or when you become eligible.
As a matter of fact, you will receive the full amount on your SUN Bucks card, $120 in total. The Department of Social Services in California recommends spending SUN Bucks before using SNAP or CalFresh benefits.