Harrisburg, Pa. — Applications for the federal SUN Bucks program — a SNAP-like benefit that helps feed children when school is out — are now open. This program provides a one-time benefit each summer for purchasing healthy, nutritious meals.
Applications will remain open through Aug. 31.
To determine whether an application is needed or if a family is automatically eligible, visit the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator and answer the questions.
This year, Pennsylvania has opted in to the new nationwide Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, also known as SUN Bucks or Summer EBT. It allows Pennsylvania to offer a nutrition benefit that functions like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the summer months to families who receive free or reduced priced meals during the school year.
SUN Bucks provides households with a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy food. Because this is the first year of the program, benefits will be issued beginning in mid-August for Summer 2024. All 2024 SUN Bucks benefits will be issued by the end of October.
“Summer is a time when many children do not have access to the free and reduced-price meals they get during the school year, and families might need a little extra help putting healthy meals on the table,” commented Dept. of Human Services Secretary Arkoosh. “The new SUN Bucks program will provide eligible households with critical dollars to help bridge the gap during the summer to ensure that Pennsylvania children are fed and thriving while school is closed.”
Most children who will receive SUN Bucks are automatically eligible and do not need to apply. If families already have an EBT card, SUN Bucks benefits will be automatically added to this card, if possible, starting in mid-August.
Families who do not have an EBT card will receive a Summer EBT card in the mail.
There are several ways for a child to be automatically eligible for SUN Bucks without needing to apply, including:
They or their family already qualify for SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)They already qualify for Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program (NSLP)They applied for and were eligible for free or reduced-priced school meals
Families whose children are not automatically eligible, including those who attend a school where all students receive free or reduced-price school meals under the Community Eligibility Provision whose family does not meet the automatic eligibility criteria will need to complete a paper SUN Bucks application.
If households are not automatically eligible and believe their child is eligible, a paper application is available to complete. Applications can be submitted by mail or through a local County Assistance Office.
Free or reduced-price meals during the school year provide critical nutrition to students. During the summer months, these same students and families may be strained by higher food bills when school is closed. Starting this summer, SUN Bucks can provide households $40 per summer month ($120 maximum) per eligible child. An estimated 1.2 million children in Pennsylvania will qualify for this new program.
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