When school is out for the summer, millions of children across California lose access to the free school meals they rely on during the school year. Summer EBT – also known as SUN Bucks here in California, is a federal initiative designed to help bridge that gap. By providing grocery benefits to families with school-age children, SUN Bucks ensures that kids can continue to get the healthy food they need to thrive even when school is not in session.
Whether you’re new to the program or looking for more information, here’s everything you need to know about how it works, who qualifies and how to apply. With your support spreading the word, we’ll make sure every child gets the food they need during the summer. This toolkit was created to help you get the word out to families about the grocery benefit available for children and teens this summer.
*A Spanish version of this toolkit will be made available, please stay tuned. Thank you for your patience.
SUN BUCKS OVERVIEW
What are SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), is intended to help families in California buy food during the summer months when school is closed and works just like CalFresh. Children can get SUN Bucks if they qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application, or if they get CalFresh, CalWORKs, and/or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level [FPL]).
Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?
There are two ways for your child to be eligible for SUN Bucks: Streamlined Certification (Automatic Enrollment) and Application.
Streamlined Certification (Automatic Enrollment), for kids who do not need to apply.
- Children ages 6-18 years who get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level [FPL]), including homeschooled children, are streamline certified to be eligible for SUN Bucks.
- Children who are identified by their school as in foster care, homeless, or migrant will also automatically get SUN Bucks. No application is needed, BUT please keep their mailing addresses up-to-date.
- If a family is experiencing homelessness and does not have a mailing address, their child’s school or a local County Department of Social Services can receive the SUN Bucks card on their behalf.
- Reminder: Children who get Medi-Cal where the household income is above 185% of the FPL are not automatically eligible for SUN Bucks and must apply.
- Children who are identified by their school as in foster care, homeless, or migrant will also automatically get SUN Bucks. No application is needed, BUT please keep their mailing addresses up-to-date.
Application – for kids who will need to submit a Universal Benefits Application (UBA) by the deadline, August 31, 2026!
- Children ages 0-22 years who attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are also eligible for SUN Bucks if they are certified to meet the income eligibility guidelines. To certify that your child is eligible, you must submit a Universal Benefits Application or School Meal Application to your child’s school. You should apply if any of the following criteria apply to your family:
- Your child gets meals through California’s Universal Meals Program (UMP). In California, the UMP provides school meals at no cost to all school age children, regardless of household income. Even if your child gets a free school meal, it does not guarantee that they will qualify for SUN Bucks benefits.
- Children who get Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) or participate in the Adoption Assistance Program, but do not participate in CalFresh or CalWORKs.
You may also use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Tool* to help evaluate your child’s potential eligibility (*note: This tool is neither owned nor maintained by the California Department of Social Services or the California Department of Education. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not an eligibility determination).
How do I get SUN Bucks?
If your child qualifies, based on household size and income, for free or reduced-price meals, or gets CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level), they will automatically be enrolled in SUN Bucks. You don’t need to do anything to sign up. You will get your SUN Bucks on an EBT card in the mail.
Families with children ages 0-22 who qualify for free or reduced-price meals AND DO NOT get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level) can submit a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application at their child’s school by August 31, 2026 to see if they qualify for SUN Bucks in 2026 based on household size and income. To check if your child is eligible, ask your child’s school for a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application. You can view a template version of the Universal Benefits Application on the California Department of Education webpage.
Do not submit Universal Benefits Applications directly to the Department of Education or Department of Social Services. These forms must be processed by your child’s school to establish eligibility for SUN Bucks. If you are unable to submit a UBA to your child’s school site, ask the district how to submit the application.
SUN Bucks Card Mailing Schedule
Due to the large volume of children getting SUN Bucks in California, card mailing will occur in two stages. Regardless of when the card arrives, each SUN Bucks card will be loaded with $120.
- Stage 1: Streamlined certified children will get their SUN Bucks cards in the mail in June through July 2026. CDSS will mail the cards in alphabetical order by the child’s last name (A-Z).
| Month | Last Name Starting Letter |
|---|---|
| Early June | A-C |
| Mid-June | D-F |
| Late June | G-L |
| Early July | M-Q |
| Mid-July | R-S |
| Late July | T-Z |
- Stage 2: Newly enrolled kids will begin getting their SUN Bucks cards in the mail in August 2026. These children include:
- Children who become newly eligible for CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the FPL).
- Children who are determined eligible through a Universal Benefits Application (UBA) or School Meal Application.
SUN Bucks Benefits Do Expire!
You must use your SUN Bucks within 122 days (about 4 months) from the date when funds are loaded on the card. Any unused money on your card after 122 days will expire and cannot be put back on your card. To learn how to manage your SUN Bucks card, download the free ebtEDGE mobile app or visit www.ebt.ca.gov/cardholder/.
Need Help? Contact the SUN Bucks Helpline
(877) 328-9677
If families have a concern with their eligibility status, need help setting up their PIN, request replacement cards, verify the value in their SUN Bucks card, submit a dispute, or to opt out of SUN Bucks, they can call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
The helpline provides automated support 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. To check your benefit balance and claim status, visit the California EBT cardholder website.
You can also visit the CDSS SUN Bucks webpage (https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks) for more up-to-date information.
Current Messaging: Not Sure of What You Should Do Now?
It’s spring and we are quickly approaching the end of the school year and summer! We are encouraging school and community partners to help spread the word that SUN Bucks are coming back. Specifically, we are urging families to:
- Keep their child’s mailing address up-to-date! SUN Bucks cards start arriving in June. See “SUN Bucks Card Mailing Schedule” for more info.
- Check their child’s eligibility by using the Summer EBT Eligibility Screening Tool.
- Apply for SUN Bucks by submitting a Universal Benefits Application (UBA) to their child’s school. Just ask your child’s school for a UBA.
- Use and share this toolkit. If you have a question on the toolkit or want to see another resource or material, please contact us at nokidhungryca[at]strength.org.
Have a graduating high school senior or an incoming school-aged child in the the fall? They may be eligible for SUN Bucks!
What are SUN Bucks?
Post anytime between April and August
Post 1:
SUN Bucks is a grocery benefit program that helps combat childhood hunger in California, providing $120 for each eligible school-aged child during the summer for groceries. Starts June 2026! Learn more: https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks
Post 2:
SUN Bucks are back! #SUNBucks provides $120 in extra grocery benefits to eligible kids. Many kids are automatically enrolled, but some families will need to apply.
🍎 Spread the word! It’s easy to check eligibility at summerebt.org/states/california
Who is Eligible?
Post anytime between April and August
For Kids Automatically Enrolled
If you receive benefits such as CalFresh, CalWORKS, or Medi-Cal, your school-aged kids are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks! You won’t need to apply. Find out more here: https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks #EndSummerHunger #SUNBucks
For Kids Who Have to Apply
If your kid attends a school that offers the School Lunch or Breakfast Program AND your household income meets the requirements for free & reduced-price school meals, your kid is eligible to receive #SUNBucks benefits! Check eligibility at summerebt.org/states/california
Enrollment
Post anytime between April and August
Post 1:
California is now accepting applications for SUN Bucks grocery benefits. But wait! Most eligible children will be automatically enrolled. Find out if your kids are eligible and if you need to apply: www.summerebt.org/states/california #SUNBucks #EndSummerHunger
Post 2:
Summer is coming, & so are Sun Bucks! Make sure your child is enrolled in the SUN Bucks program to receive grocery benefits for healthy summer meals. Visit www.summerebt.org/states/california for details on how to apply or check if your child is automatically enrolled. #SUNBucks
End of School Year: SUN Bucks Are Coming!
Post anytime April and June
Post 1:
The countdown to summer is on! 🍉 Don’t forget about SUN Bucks! This program ensures kids have access to nutritious food throughout the summer break. Visit www.summerebt.org/states/california for details on how to apply or check if your child is eligible #SUNBucks
Post 2:
California families, listen up! ☀️ SUN Bucks is a grocery benefit program that helps combat childhood hunger, providing $120 for each eligible school-aged kid during the summer for groceries. Learn more: www.summerebt.org/states/california #SUNBucks
Over the Summer: Use Your SUN Bucks AND Get Free Summer Meals
Post anytime between June and July
Post 1:
SUN Bucks & Summer Meals work together to help support families across CA get the healthy food that kids normally get at school. 🍎Remember to use your SUN Bucks for grocery support. If you didn’t receive SUN Bucks, you can check your eligibility at summerebt.org/states/california
Post 2:
Farmers Market PRO-TIP! 🥕 DOUBLE your SUN Bucks when buying fresh fruits & veggies at participating farmers markets! Use your $120 EBT card & look for market match programs (like CalFresh Market Match). Get more produce for your family! 🍎 #MarketMatch #SUNBucks #FarmersMarkets
Back to School: Application Deadline
Post anytime between July and August 31, 2026
Post 1:
Don’t miss out on $120 for summer groceries! 📣 The application window for SUN Bucks closes on August 31, 2026! Check your eligibility & ask your child’s school for an application. Secure your benefit! ✅ Learn more: www.summerebt.org/states/california #SUNBucks
Post 2:
Friendly reminder, CA families! The SUN Bucks application deadline is Aug. 31, 2026! If your child haven’t received #SUNBucks, you can still apply before time runs out! ⏱️ Ask your child’s school for an application. Learn more: www.summerebt.org/states/california
Back to School: Benefits Expire!
Post anytime between August and October
Post 1:
Heads up, CA families! ⚠️ Your SUN Bucks benefit of $120 per child will expire 122 days after the card is issued. Don’t let these vital summer grocery funds disappear! Use your EBT card soon to purchase healthy food! 🛒 Learn more: https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks #SUNBucks
Post 2:
If you received SUN Bucks this year, use them before they expire!
Benefits expire about 122 days after they are issued. Pick up groceries during your back-to-school shopping. Not sure when your benefits expire? Call the #SUNBucks Helpline. Learn more: cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks
Website, Newsletter, & Text Templates
Website & Newsletter Message Sample:
Fuel a healthy summer with SUN Bucks! The SUN Bucks program (also known as Summer EBT) is federal program designed to help families purchase food during the summer months when children are out of school and cannot access school meals. SUN Bucks provides $120 to each eligible school-aged child.
Most eligible children get SUN Bucks automatically. Other families must apply for SUN Bucks benefits at their child’s school. Getting and using SUN Bucks does not affect a family’s immigration status. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other food assistance programs, like CalFresh and Summer Meal Programs.
Visit this SUN Bucks Eligibility Screening Tool to find out if your children are eligible and how to access this summer benefit today!
For more information, visit CDSS (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks). For cardholder assistance, the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
Text Message Sample:
SUN Bucks provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child. Most kids are auto enrolled but some need to apply. Check eligibility at SummerEBT.org/california
Sign up for $120 in extra grocery support over the summer! Visit SummerEBT.org/california to check SUN Bucks eligibility and if you need to apply.
Didn’t get SUN Bucks? Apply before Aug. 31st and each eligible kid will get the full $120 benefit. Learn more at SummerEBT.org/california
SUN Bucks $$ is arriving now! Benefits are mailed to your child’s mailing address. Questions? Call the SUN Bucks Helpline (877) 328-9677
Add a SUN Bucks Eligibility Screening Tool & Application Button
Parents regularly look to schools as a trusted source of information. Help your families connect to SUN Bucks by adding a link to your district, school and nutrition department websites. SUN Bucks graphics and links are free to use and promote through your networks. Here is how to get started:
- Contact your website administrators and ask them to add a link to the SUN Bucks Screening Tool (https://www.summerebt.org/states/california) and SUN Bucks application (your school will either use a school meal application or a Universal Benefits Application (UBA)).
- Consider using templates and samples from our social media posts in this toolkit.
- Add a colorful “button” to your website to use as a link to.
*For LEAs in need of data submission support and/or guidance on the Universal Benefits Application (UBA), contact your CDE analyst and visit the CA Department of Education‘s SUN Bucks page.
When will families receive their SUN Bucks card? | Cuándo recibirán las familias su tarjeta SUN Bucks?
Due to the large volume of children getting SUN Bucks in California, card mailing will occur in two stages. Regardless of when the card arrives, each SUN Bucks card will be loaded with $120.
- Stage 1: Streamlined certified children will get their SUN Bucks cards in the mail in June through July 2026. CDSS will mail the cards in alphabetical order by the child’s last name (A-Z).
| Month | Last Name Starting Letter |
|---|---|
| Early June | A-C |
| Mid-June | D-F |
| Late June | G-L |
| Early July | M-Q |
| Mid-July | R-S |
| Late July | T-Z |
- Stage 2: Newly enrolled kids will begin getting their SUN Bucks cards in the mail in August 2026. These children include:
- Children who become newly eligible for CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the FPL).
- Children who are determined eligible through a Universal Benefits Application (UBA) or School Meal Application.
Debido al gran volumen de niños que recibirán los beneficios de SUN Bucks en California, el envío de las tarjetas se realizará en dos etapas. Independientemente de la fecha en que llegue la tarjeta, cada tarjeta SUN Bucks se cargará con $120.
- Etapa 1: Los niños certificados mediante el proceso simplificado recibirán sus tarjetas SUN Bucks por correo entre junio y julio de 2026. El CDSS enviará las tarjetas por correo en orden alfabético, según el apellido del niño (A-Z).
| Mes | Primera letra del apellido |
|---|---|
| Principios de junio | A-C |
| Mediados de junio | D-F |
| Finales de junio | G-L |
| Principios de julio | M-Q |
| Mediados de julio | R-S |
| Finales de julio | T-Z |
- Etapa 2: Los niños recién inscritos comenzarán a recibir sus tarjetas SUN Bucks por correo en agosto de 2026. Estos niños incluyen:
- Niños que califican por primera vez para CalFresh, CalWORKs o Medi-Cal (certificados con ingresos iguales o inferiores al 185% del Nivel Federal de Pobreza).
- Niños cuya elegibilidad se determina a través de una Solicitud Universal de Beneficios (UBA) o una Solicitud de Comidas Escolares.
What can I do to protect my SUN Bucks benefits from EBT fraud/scam? | ¿Qué puedo hacer para proteger mis beneficios de SUN Bucks contra el fraude/estafa de EBT?
To check your benefit balance and claim status, visit the California EBT cardholder website. You can also down the ebtEDGE mobile application from your devices app store.
Para consultar el saldo de sus beneficios y el estado de su solicitud, visite el sitio web para titulares de tarjetas EBT de California. También puede descargar la aplicación móvil ebtEDGE desde la tienda de aplicaciones de su dispositivo.
Will children in school who are over the age of 18 be eligible for SUN Bucks? | ¿Los niños mayores de 18 años en la escuela serán elegibles para recibir SUN Bucks?
Yes, they can be eligible if they were 18 during the school operational period and meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
Families with children ages 0-22 who qualify for free or reduced-price meals and do not get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level) can submit a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application at their child’s school by August 31, 2026 to see if they qualify for SUN Bucks in 2026 based on household size and income. To check if your child is eligible, ask your child’s school for a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application (UBA).
Sí, pueden ser elegibles si tenían 18 años durante el período operativo de la escuela y cumplen con los requisitos de elegibilidad enumerados anteriormente.
Las familias con niños de 0 a 22 años que califiquen para recibir comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido, y que no reciban CalFresh, CalWORKs o Medi-Cal (certificadas en un nivel igual o inferior al 185% del Nivel Federal de Pobreza), pueden presentar una solicitud de comidas escolares o una Solicitud de Beneficios Universales en la escuela de su hijo antes del 31 de agosto de 2026 para determinar si califican para los beneficios SUN Bucks en 2026, basándose en el tamaño del hogar y los ingresos. Para verificar si su hijo es elegible, solicite en la escuela de su hijo una solicitud de comidas escolares o una Solicitud de Beneficios Universales (UBA).
I don't know if my child is certified for free and reduced priced meals. How do I find out more? | No sé si mi hijo está certificado para recibir comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido. ¿Cómo puedo saber más?
You will have to contact your child’s school to inquire about Free and Reduced price meal eligibility.
Comuníquese con la escuela de su hijo para consultar sobre la elegibilidad para recibir comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido.
When is the last day to apply for SUN Bucks? | ¿Cuándo es el último día para solicitar SUN Bucks?
You must submit the application directly to your child’s school on or before August 31, 2026 to be considered for SUN Bucks 2026. Applications turned in after August 31 will only be considered for SUN Bucks 2027.
Debe presentar la solicitud directamente en la escuela de su hijo a más tardar el 31 de agosto de 2026 para ser considerado para SUN Bucks 2026. Las solicitudes presentadas después del 31 de agosto solo se considerarán para SUN Bucks 2027.
Where will cards be sent if a family is experiencing homelessness and does not have a mailing address? | ¿A dónde se enviarán las tarjetas si una familia se encuentra sin hogar y no tiene una dirección postal?
A child’s school or a local County Department of Social Services can receive the SUN Bucks card on behalf of eligible families experiencing homelessness.
La escuela de un niño o el Departamento de Servicios Sociales (CDSS) del condado local pueden recibir la tarjeta S-EBT en nombre de familias elegibles que se encuentran sin hogar.
If a family already has an EBT card, will SUN Bucks benefits be added onto an existing card? | Si una familia ya tiene una tarjeta EBT, ¿se añadirán los beneficios de SUN Bucks a la tarjeta existente?
No, each eligible child will receive their own SUN Bucks EBT card, which will have their name listed on the card. This card is separate from your existing EBT card.
No, cada niño elegible recibirá su propia tarjeta EBT de SUN Bucks, cuyo nombre aparecerá en la tarjeta. Esta tarjeta es independiente de su tarjeta EBT existente.
Is SUN Bucks a public charge program? | ¿Es SUN Bucks un programa de carga pública?
No, getting SUN Bucks does not make you a public charge.
The public charge rule put into place in December 2022 is still in effect. Under this rule, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) do not consider health, food, and housing services as part of the public charge determination. SUN Bucks is a food benefit like CalFresh, school meals, and WIC. Using these government funded food benefits does not hurt your immigration status.
You can find more information about public charge at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/refugees/public-charge. If you have questions about your immigration status or circumstances, consult with an immigration attorney.
No, recibir los beneficios de SUN Bucks no lo convierte en una carga pública.
La Regla de Carga Pública, establecida en diciembre de 2022, sigue vigente. Según esta regla, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los EE. UU. (DHS) y el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los EE. UU. (USCIS) no consideran los servicios de salud, alimentación y vivienda como parte de una determinación de carga pública. SUN Bucks es un beneficio alimentario, al igual que CalFresh, las comidas escolares y WIC. El uso de estos beneficios alimentarios financiados por el gobierno no perjudica su estatus migratorio.
Puede encontrar más información sobre la carga pública en www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/refugees/public-charge. Si tiene preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio o sus circunstancias específicas, por favor consulte a un abogado de inmigración.
For families
- For immediate food assistance, find the closest food bank.
- You can apply for CalFresh at: BenefitsCal.com
- Learn about the CA Meals for Kids mobile app
- Visit the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder
For School and Community Partners
- For more up-to-date information and materials, visit the CA Department of Social Services‘ SUN Bucks page.
- *For LEAs in need of data submission support and/or guidance on the Universal Benefits Application (UBA), contact your CDE analyst and visit the CA Department of Education‘s SUN Bucks page.
- For federal updates and additional resources, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s SUN Bucks page.
- Share the SUN Bucks/Summer EBT Eligibility Screening Tool
Last update: April 7, 2026
Head back to the top of the toolkit.
SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS
Social media can be a great way to promote your summer food programs and keep families informed. Pair one of our customizable social media graphics with one of our sample posts for ready-to-go content! The graphics are provided in Canva, so if you are interested in customizing them digitally, please reach out to us at nokidhungryca[at]strength.org. Additionally, we invite you to check out our Summer Meals Outreach Toolkit. This toolkit provides an array of templates and copy for print materials, scripts and more. Let’s spread the word to summer meals as well!