SUN Bucks are not for all Americans, even if they receive SNAP, as some states do not offer them
Summer EBT or SUN Bucks are only available in about 34 states. Some tribes are also offering $120 checks to SNAP recipients, even if their state doesn’t offer SUN Bucks.
If you have school-age children and Receive SNAP, WIC, TANF or FDPIR, You may be automatically registered, so you do not need to register. Needy families whose children attend school and participate in the SBP or NSLP (National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program) can also receive SUN Bucks.
Which states do not participate in SUN Bucks even if they have SNAP benefits?
Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Utah, Texas, Alaska, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida do not participate in the SUN Bucks Program for SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR recipients.
Additionally, some states are not participating in the SUN Bucks initiative this summer, but will soon join the Summer EBT. Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshireand the U.S. Virgin Islands plan to participate.
The Food and Nutrition Service recommends nurturing your children’s potential with others alternative SUN programs. For example, you can register your children for the SUN Meals program. It’s even available in parks, schools and other locations. If you live in a rural area, look for SUN Meals To-Go.
The full list of states and territories participating in the program:
- American Samoa, Arizona and Arkansas are included, as is California.
- Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Illinois and Indiana are also included.
- Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri follow.
- Next are Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey.
- Then come New Mexico, New York, North Carolina and North Dakota.
- The Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, and certain Oklahoma tribes are included.
- Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and the US Virgin Islands follow.
- Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia and Wisconsin complete the list.
Eligibility and enrollment if my state plans to join SUN Bucks for SNAP recipients
The Food and Nutrition Service claims that some states plan to participate in the SUN Bucks program. If you are interested in receiving $120 per qualifying child, stay tuned.
All you have to do is visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks. Then scroll down and select your state on the US map. This will display the phone number, if available, for eligibility and enrollment information.
For example, if you live in the state of Missouri, you can call 855-373-4636. This way you can find out more information about how to apply for SUN Bucks while on SNAP or whether you will be automatically enrolled.
How can needy families whose children are in the SBP or NSLP receive SUN Bucks?
Needy families with children SBP or NSLP can get SUN Bucks in three ways. They can obtain this through: automatic enrollment through benefits such as SNAP or TANF, qualification through school meal programs, or applying directly. This starts on July 1, 2024. To apply, they must meet the income limits and submit their application before August 31, 2024.
Automatic enrollment occurs when benefits such as SNAP have already been received. SSchool meal programs can also enroll children if their family income qualifies. Direct applications open July 1, 2024, with income limits and requirements applicable. Once enrolled, $120 per child will be issued at the household level on existing EBT cards or new SUN Bucks cards from late August through October 2024.
