SNAP $120 Payment Coming, Here is Eligibility for Food Stamps Beneficiaries

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced the SUN Bucks program to help families with school-aged children cover grocery expenses during the summer. Recognizing the financial challenges families face when children no longer receive school meals, this initiative provides eligible families with a one-time payment of $120 per child. The program ensures children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer, contributing to their health and well-being.

Overview of SUN Bucks

The SUN Bucks program addresses the gap created during school breaks when children no longer have access to free or reduced-price school meals. This financial assistance supports families in purchasing nutritious groceries, alleviating the increased food costs many face during the summer months.

Key Highlights of the Program:

• Payment Amount: $120 per child, issued as a one-time payment.
• Target Audience: Families participating in programs like SNAP, WIC, TANF, FDPIR, and those with children enrolled in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs.
• Distribution: Funds are loaded onto existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards or a new EBT card if required.

SUN Bucks supplements existing summer nutrition programs, including community meal sites and SUN Meals To-go initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria for SUN Bucks

Families must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for SUN Bucks. Here’s a breakdown:

Eligibility Group	Details
SNAP Recipients	Families currently receiving SNAP benefits automatically qualify.
Other Program Beneficiaries	Includes participants of WIC, TANF, and FDPIR programs.
School Meal Program Participants	Children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Families who are not automatically enrolled can manually apply if they meet the income requirements.

How to Access SUN Bucks

1. Automatic Enrollment

• Families enrolled in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children receive free or reduced-price school meals will be automatically added to the program.
• Benefits are directly loaded onto existing EBT cards.

2. Manual Application

• Families not automatically enrolled but meeting eligibility criteria can apply through the USDA’s SUN Bucks page.
• Detailed income guidelines and instructions are provided on the website.

Usage and Expiration of SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks are distributed to assist with grocery expenses but come with specific usage rules:

• Expiration: Funds must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unlike standard SNAP benefits, SUN Bucks do not roll over month-to-month.
• Redeemable Locations: Benefits can be used at any participating grocery store or market that accepts EBT cards.

Distribution Timeline

SUN Bucks benefits began distribution on June 14 and will continue every two weeks through September as new families become eligible. Families should ensure their EBT cards are updated and stored securely.

For assistance with lost or stolen cards, families can visit the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits webpage.

Additional Summer Nutrition Programs

SUN Bucks is part of a larger effort to address food insecurity during the summer months. Additional resources include:

1. Community Meal Sites: Free meals for children are provided at schools and community centers.
2. SUN Meals To-go: Prepackaged meals for families to take home.
3. Find Local Meal Sites: Families can text FOOD to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit summermeals4nckids.org.

How to Maximize Benefits

Eligible families are encouraged to:

• Verify Eligibility: Check automatic enrollment status or apply manually if necessary.
• Monitor EBT Balances: Use SUN Bucks within the allotted time to ensure no benefits are lost.
• Utilize Community Resources: Combine SUN Bucks with local meal programs for comprehensive support.

The USDA’s SUN Bucks program is a vital resource for families with school-aged children, ensuring they can afford nutritious food during summer breaks. By addressing food insecurity when school meals are unavailable, this initiative helps promote children’s health and well-being. Families are urged to explore their eligibility and apply promptly to benefit from this important program.

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