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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
*A Spanish version of this toolkit will be made available, please stay tuned. Thank you for your patience.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n You may also use the\u00a0SUN Bucks Eligibility Tool*<\/a> to help evaluate your child\u2019s 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).[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h4″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”How do I get SUN Bucks?”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Families with children ages 0-22 who qualify for free or reduced-price meals\u00a0AND DO NOT <\/strong>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\u00a0by\u00a0August 31, 2026<\/strong>\u00a0to see if they qualify for SUN Bucks in 2026\u00a0based 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\u00a0California Department of Education webpage.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h4″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”SUN Bucks Card Mailing Schedule”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]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.<\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/span><\/h3>\n
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SUN BUCKS OVERVIEW<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][toggles style=”default” border_radius=”none”][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h4″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”What are SUN Bucks?”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]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\u00a0get CalFresh, CalWORKs, and\/or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level [FPL]).[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h4″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]There are two ways for your child to be eligible for SUN Bucks: Streamlined Certification (Automatic Enrollment)<\/strong><\/span> and Application<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n
Streamlined Certification (Automatic Enrollment), for kids who do not need to apply.\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Application – for kids who will need to submit a Universal Benefits Application (UBA) by the deadline, August 31, 2026!<\/span><\/h4>\n
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