Time is running out if you’re in California or New York and haven’t applied for the SUN Bucks program yet.
This program, which is a component of the Summer EBT program, provides $120 for meals per child throughout the summer to assist families in keeping food on the table when classes are not in session.
Some eligible recipients still need to physically apply in order to receive their benefits, even though the majority of eligible families—including those receiving Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP—were automatically registered.
Here’s what you need to know as deadlines draw near so you don’t lose out.
Deadline in New York
Families that qualify in New York have until September 3, 2024, to submit an application for the SUN Bucks program.
You could be eligible if your household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty threshold and your child attends a school that takes part in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Go to the official SUN Bucks application page to submit an application. To prevent processing delays, make sure all the information is correct and comprehensive. Families who met the qualifying requirements but were not automatically eligible should pay particular attention to this.
Eligibility Criteria for New York:
- Your child has to be enrolled in an institution that supports the NSLP.
- Your family’s income cannot be more than 185% of the federal poverty threshold.
Prior to the deadline, if you meet these requirements and haven’t received your payment automatically, go to the New York SUN Bucks application online.
California Deadline
The SUN Bucks program’s application deadline in California is even closer, with a closing date of August 31, 2024. Families that meet the eligibility requirements but did not receive benefits right away need to apply right away.
In California, you must fill out the Alternative Income Form if your family does not get CalFresh (SNAP), CalWORKS, or Medi-Cal yet your kid is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Similar to New York, in order to be eligible, your household income must be verified to be at or below 185% of the federal poverty threshold.
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Eligibility for California:
- School lunches for your child must be free or significantly reduced.
- 185% of the federal poverty threshold cannot be exceeded by your household.
- If you are not eligible for Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, or CalFresh, you need to file the Alternative Income Form.
The application procedure is simple, but it needs to be finished by August 31st. Upon approval, eligible families—regardless of whether their card comes in August or September—will receive $120 for each child.
