In 2024, the program formerly known as Summer EBT has been revamped and renamed as SUN Bucks. This change aims to improve access to food for children during the summer holidays, ensuring that families have the necessary resources to maintain adequate nutrition when schools are closed.
SUN Bucks is a program designed to provide food benefits to families with school-age children during the summer months. This program allocates $120 for each eligible child, and the funds must be used within 122 days of being loaded on the SUN Bucks card. These cards work similar to debit cards and can be used to purchase foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, and dairy products at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept EBT benefits.
Eligibility and Distribution of SUN Bucks in New York
Eligibility for SUN Bucks is automatic for certain groups of children, including those who have received NSLP/SBP free and reduced price lists, SNAP benefits, TANF, FDPIR, and Medicaid during the 2023-2024 school year, and those who attend schools that participate in the school breakfast and lunch programs and have been approved for free or reduced-price meals. Also, automatically eligible are children who attend Head Start, those who are homeless, live in foster care, or are part of migrant families.
For children who do not meet the above criteria, families must complete an application for the free or reduced price school meals scheme and submit it to their child’s school by 31 August 2024. The SUN Bucks cards will be mailed between June and November, depending on when the benefits are received or the application is submitted.
Use and Management of the SUN Bucks EBT Card
Eligible families will receive one SUN Bucks card for each eligible child. Each card will have $120 in food benefits. It is crucial that families keep their address updated to ensure the correct delivery of the cards. Addresses can be updated online via the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or by contacting the local county office. For those who qualify for free or reduced price meals, the address must be updated at the child’s school of attendance.
In 2024, New York State will launch the Summer EBT program, designed to provide food benefits to low-income families during the summer, when children do not have access to school meals. This program seeks to bridge the food gap and ensure that children maintain adequate nutrition.
Eligibility for SUN Bucks in NY
The children who will receive benefits automatically are those who:
- participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (cash).
- are certified for free meals through Medicaid.
- are eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Some children may be eligible through an application, if:
- they attend a school that participates in the NSLP.
- household income is below 185% of the federal poverty level.
Each eligible child will receive $120 in Summer EBT food benefits in 2024. These benefits can be used at supermarkets, farmers markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers.
How to Apply for Summer EBT Program in NY
Most families will not need to apply, as eligible children will receive the benefits automatically. However, families who must apply will be able to do so from July 1, 2024. The deadline to apply is September 3, 2024.
To complete the application, you will need:
- An account NY.gov ID.
- Name and date of birth of each child.
- Name of the school they attend.
- Student identification number (optional).
- Information about household income.
- Current address, phone number and email.
Summer EBT benefits will be issued through EBT cards. Children who have used Pandemic-EBT benefits (P-EBT) will receive the benefits on the same card. Other children will receive a new Summer EBT card.
Benefits will be available for 122 days after issuance. It is important to use the benefits before they expire. For more information, the Summer EBT customer service center can be reached by calling 1-833-452-0096. For more details, visit the official website of the Summer EBT program.
