A new permanent federal child nutrition program known as SUN Bucks is intended to keep children fed during the summer when they’re not in school. Through this program, also known as Summer EBT, eligible children receive a her EBT card that can be used to purchase groceries.
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The program will be administered by the state Department of Human Services with support from the Department of Education. Children eligible for SUN Bucks and automatically signed up are:
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Children ages 6 to 18 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or qualified income medical assistance during the school year or summer of 2024. This includes home-schooled and cyberschooled children.
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Children who attend schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and who:
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Apply for and be approved for free or reduced school meals during the school year
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You can receive SNAP, TANF, or medical assistance with your qualifying income at any time during the school year or summer.
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Directly eligible for free school meals as a foster child, immigrant, or person experiencing homelessness
Children who attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program and whose families meet the SUN Bucks income guidelines are not automatically enrolled in the program because they fall into one of the categories listed above. , you may be eligible. However, you must apply in person to receive your SUN Bucks.
The monthly gross household income limits for SUN Bucks are:
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$2,248 for a one-person household
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$3,041 for a two-person household
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$3,833 for a household of three
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$4,625 for a family of four
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$5,418 for a family of five
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+$8,732 for each additional family member
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The summer 2024 benefit amount is $40 per child per summer month. Payments will be made in one lump sum of $120 no later than September 30, 2024. This timeline will be updated as DHS moves closer to implementation of the program.
Eligible families who already receive SNAP benefits will have the benefits added to their card. Those who do not receive SNAP benefits will receive an EBT card in the mail. If you are interested in this program, please make sure your child’s school has a current address.
Additional information about how to activate your EBT card, check your card balance, and use your card to purchase food is available online.
