There are not enough free or reduced-price school lunches available during the summer, which makes it difficult for many families to provide food for their children.
In order to alleviate this cost, the federal government has developed the Summer EBT program, which is also known as Sun Bucks. This program provides a total of one hundred twenty dollars to each child who is eligible for the program in order to purchase essential consumables.
Who will benefit from Sun Bucks?
Children who are between the ages of 6 and 18 and who meet specific requirements are eligible for this benefit. In the majority of instances, there is no need to apply for this benefit because those who are recipients of programs such as SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid are automatically enrolled.
Also eligible are children who are enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs and who have been granted permission to receive free or reduced-price meals.
People who are not automatically enrolled but who reside in households with incomes that are below 185% of the federal poverty criteria are eligible to apply for this benefit through the federal government.
When are Sun Bucks benefits delivered?
Twelve hundred dollars is the total amount that is paid for each child, which is equal to forty dollars for each month of the summer. The funds are distributed to the recipient via an EBT card, which can be utilized at recognized grocery stores and retail establishments.
Methods of distribution:
- By way of the EBT card that the family already makes use of for SNAP benefits
- Using an EBT card from the previous year’s summer (if it was also used).
- A brand new EBT card for the summer was sent out.
A different deposit schedule is utilized by each state. Some have already started dispersing monies as early as May 2025, while others will continue to do so throughout the summer. Because benefits are only valid for 122 days after they are given, it is essential to make use of them before they expire.
Which states participate in Sun Bucks?
- A number of states, including California, New York, Illinois, and Puerto Rico, will be taking part in the 2025 event. More than thirty-five states, territories, and indigenous tribes throughout the country are participating in the initiative.
- A number of states, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee, will not be participating in the 2025 election. It is not reasonable to anticipate that residents of these areas will receive Sun Bucks this year; nevertheless, they may become members in the future.
Which kinds of food can be purchased using Sun Bucks?
Advantages can be put toward the purchase of:
- Fruits and vegetables that are either fresh, tinned, or frozen
- The chicken, fish, and meat
- Products made from dairy (milk, cheese, and yogurt)
- Products such as breads, cereals, and breakfast foods
- Foods in cans, snacks, and beverages that do not include alcohol
Products that are not food, such as diapers, cleaning supplies, medicines, or hot meals that have been cooked in stores, are not allowed to be purchased.
