Low-Income Families Can Receive $120 Per Child in August

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Needy families in the state of Virginia are eligible to receive an extra $120 per school-aged child in August. For many, this benefit will be sent (and received) automatically. 

The SUN Bucks program was designed in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture to give parents a little extra help in feeding young minds and bellies during the summer.  

Families who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) automatically qualify.  Families with children who attend schools that offer the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and qualify for reduced or free school meals, will also receive this benefit. 

Although a handful of states (including Texas, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) don’t participate in the program, most (including Virginia) do. The Virginia Department of Social Services and the Virginia Department of Education estimate that about 650,000 children qualify for reduced or free lunches.  

In the Commonwealth, each school-age child that meets program requirements will get a one-time payment of $120. Benefits will be issued either on each family's SNAP EBT card or a pre-loaded Virginia SUN Bucks card that looks similar to a debit or credit card and can be used to buy groceries.         

SUN Bucks, offered in addition to other government assistance programs, can be used to buy fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads and shelf-stable products. They cannot be used to purchase hot foods, pet food, personal hygiene items or medicines.

Those who qualify for the SUN Bucks card but don’t wish to participate are asked to simply not use the card or extra funds. The benefits will be removed from the card and returned to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service after 122 days of non-use.   

For those who did not automatically qualify but still want to apply, the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center is now offering a toll-free helpline at 866-513-1414 or 804-294-1633 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m. 

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Household income.
• Information about each child including their age(s), birth date(s), the county/city school division, the school(s) they attend, and mailing address(es).
• Each student's local student ID number

Proof of income, each child’s Social Security number or proof of citizenship are not required.  

Aug. 30, 2024 is the last day to apply by phone.