The USDA has rolled out a new initiative to help families with school-aged children during the summer. Known as SUN Bucks, this program aims to provide additional financial support to families who qualify for SNAP and other similar programs.
In an effort to ensure that children have access to nutritious food during the summer, the USDA, through its Food and Nutrition Service, has introduced the SUN Bucks program. Families who qualify can receive a $120 check per child, providing much-needed relief when school meals are unavailable.
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SUN Bucks Overview
SUN Bucks is designed to assist U.S. families with eligible school-aged children. Although the maximum benefit is $120 per child, families with multiple children will receive more money accordingly. It’s essential to note that the program might go by different names depending on your state, similar to how SNAP is known as CalFresh in California.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for SUN Bucks, your child must be of school age, typically between 5 and 18 years old. Additionally, your household must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Current Beneficiaries: Families already participating in programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or those who have income-eligible Medicaid.
- School Meal Programs: If your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), and your income qualifies for free or reduced-price meals.
Automatic Enrollment
Children from households already benefiting from SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. Similarly, children attending schools with NSLP or SBP who qualify for free or reduced-price meals will also be automatically enrolled.
Direct Application
For families who do not meet the automatic enrollment criteria, there is still an opportunity to apply directly for SUN Bucks. The USDA provides detailed income eligibility tables on their website to guide families through the application process.
How to Receive SUN Bucks
If you are a SNAP recipient, receiving SUN Bucks is straightforward. The benefits will be automatically loaded onto your existing EBT card if your children are eligible. The same process applies to families benefiting from FDPIR and TANF.
Non-SNAP Participants
Families whose children attend schools participating in the NSLP or SBP and meet the income requirements will also receive SUN Bucks automatically. Those who do not qualify for automatic enrollment can apply directly via the USDA website.
Key Differences
While both SUN Bucks and SNAP aim to provide financial support for food, they have distinct differences:
| Aspect | SUN Bucks | SNAP |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | School-aged children (5-18 years old) | Low-income households of all ages |
| Benefit Amount | $120 per child (one-time summer payment) | Varies based on household size and income (monthly) |
| Issuance | Loaded onto EBT card | Loaded onto EBT card |
| Expiry | 122 days | Rolls over month-to-month if not spent |
| Automatic Enrollment | Yes, for eligible children in specific programs | Yes, based on household eligibility |
| Additional Programs | Can be used with summer feeding programs | Generally used for groceries |
| Program Name | Varies by state | Varies by state |
Additional Information
SUN Bucks is a new initiative and differs from previous programs like the Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT). Not all children who received P-EBT will necessarily qualify for SUN Bucks, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific eligibility criteria.
For more detailed information on income requirements and the application process, visit the USDA’s official SUN Bucks page.
In summary, the SUN Bucks program provides a crucial lifeline for families during the summer months, ensuring that children continue to receive nutritious food even when school is out. By knowing the eligibility requirements and application process, families can make the most of this valuable benefit.
FAQs
Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?
Families with school-aged children participating in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or income-eligible Medicaid.
How much do you get per child?
Eligible families receive $120 per child.
Can non-SNAP families apply?
Yes, families meeting income requirements can apply directly.
How are benefits delivered?
Benefits are loaded onto existing EBT cards.
Do SUN Bucks expire?
Yes, benefits expire after 122 days if not used.
