The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced the SUN Bucks program to assist families with school-aged children during the summer months. This SNAP program aims to alleviate the financial strain when children cannot access school meals by providing a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child for food expenses during the summer.
This initiative is part of the USDA’s broader effort to ensure children have access to nutritious meals year-round, promoting their health and well-being. During the school year, many children depend on school meal programs for balanced nutrition. However, during the summer, these families might find it challenging to provide adequate food.
What is the SNAP program SUN Bucks Program?
SUN Bucks is designed to bridge this gap by offering financial support, ensuring that children do not go hungry when school is out. The program is inclusive, targeting families already receiving assistance from other government programs. This includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
Families with children participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and meeting the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for the $120 SNAP Payment
Current SNAP recipients will automatically receive SUN Bucks for each eligible child. This one-time $120 payment will be loaded onto the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, or a new EBT card will be issued if necessary.
- Amount: Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 for the summer period.
- Usage: Funds can be used to purchase food at any store accepting EBT.
- Expiration: SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, these do not roll over month to month.
Application Process for SUN Bucks
Families already enrolled in programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children receive free or reduced-price school meals will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Families not automatically enrolled but meeting the eligibility criteria can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA website. Detailed income requirements and application instructions are available on the USDA’s SUN Bucks page.
Distribution of SUN Bucks Benefits
The distribution of SUN Bucks began on June 14 and will continue bi-weekly until September, as new children’s eligibility is determined. Families are advised to keep their EBT cards secure and refer to the NCDHHS page on Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits for tips on protecting their benefits.
In addition to financial relief, the SUN Bucks program ensures that children have access to nutritious food during the summer, which is crucial for their health and development. Studies show that good nutrition is essential for cognitive and physical growth, and SUN Bucks helps families provide this nutrition even when school meals are unavailable.
Using SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks funds can be used at any establishment accepting EBT, giving families the flexibility to purchase the food they need. This includes supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and other grocery stores that accept EBT payments.
It’s important for families to keep their EBT cards safe and be aware of potential fraud. The USDA and NCDHHS offer resources and tips to protect SNAP and SUN Bucks benefits from theft or misuse.
The SUN Bucks program represents a significant effort by the USDA to support families during the summer, ensuring that children continue to receive the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. By providing a one-time payment of $120 per child, this program helps ease the financial burden on families and ensures children do not go hungry during the summer break. Eligible families should stay informed about USDA announcements and use their benefits within the specified period to maximize the positive impact of this assistance.
How Children’s Eligibility for the $120 Payment is Verified
The SUN Bucks program verifies the eligibility of children for the $120 payment in two main ways:
- Automatic qualification: Many children will qualify for SUN Bucks. Their families won’t need to apply. A child is automatically eligible if they meet any of these criteria
- They are enrolled in programs like SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), FDPIR, or income-eligible Medicaid.
- They applied and were approved for free or reduced-price school meals for 2023-2024 through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
They are in foster care, or are categorized as runaway, homeless or migrant by their school.
Application process:
- Families of children who do not qualify automatically may be eligible. They will need to apply directly.
- To qualify, the child must be school-aged (5-18 years old). The household income must be below certain limits based on its size.
- Families who need to apply should receive a text, email, and robocall message with application instructions. The online application is the fastest way to apply.
SUN Bucks Limitations: Is There a Cap on the Number of Eligible Children Per Household?
There does not appear to be a limit on the number of children in a household who are eligible to receive SUN Bucks benefits. The key points are:
- Eligibility for SUN Bucks is determined for each child individually, not the household as a whole. So it’s possible to have both eligible and ineligible children in the same household.
- Each eligible child will receive the same $120 benefit for the summer, regardless of how many eligible children are in the household.
- The $120 is a one-time payment per eligible child for the summer period.
- Children are automatically eligible if their household gets SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or, in some states, Medicaid.
- Children who are not automatically eligible can still apply if their household income is under 185% of the federal poverty level. The income limit varies by household size.
Comparing SUN Bucks Program to Other Government Assistance Initiatives
The SUN Bucks program is a new federal initiative. It offers extra food assistance to eligible families with school-aged children in summer. Here are key points comparing SUN Bucks to other government assistance programs:
SUN Bucks is supplemental and does not replace other benefits
SUN Bucks offers an extra $120 per eligible child for summer. This aid helps families buy groceries when school is closed. Importantly, receiving SUN Bucks won’t affect your eligibility for other programs like SNAP, WIC, or free/reduced school meals. It’s designed to supplement, not replace, these benefits.
Eligibility is tied to participation in other assistance programs
Students automatically qualify for SUN Bucks if their family gets SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid (with income below 185% of the poverty level), or if the child is in foster care. Similarly, those approved for free or reduced-price meals often qualify too.
Some families not automatically enrolled may still qualify based on income and will need to submit an application . Citizenship is not required to receive SUN Bucks .
Benefits are issued via EBT card for use at food retailers
The $120 per child benefit is loaded onto an EBT card that works like a debit card. Funds can be used to purchase groceries at participating retailers including grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores and online . This is similar to how SNAP benefits are issued and redeemed.
Key differences from SNAP and WIC
SNAP and WIC offer monthly food benefits, while SUN Bucks gives a one-time summer benefit of $120 per child. SNAP and WIC have income requirements. In contrast, SUN Bucks eligibility mainly depends on participating in programs like free or reduced-price school meals.