$120 SUN Bucks is a new program announced by the United States Department of Agriculture, through its Food and Nutrition Service. It was designed to help low-income families who have school-aged kids during the summer.
This program provides financial assistance for groceries during school breaks so that children can continue to eat nutritious meals.
Table of Contents
What is the SNAP program?
SNAP helps low-income families and individuals by giving them money to purchase healthy food. Sun Bucks, which will be worth $120 in August 2024, are part of a program that helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy food. The federal program helps ensure that these students have access to groceries during the summer months, which promotes food security.
SUN Bucks Program Overview
Beneficiaries and Purpose
SUN Bucks targets families with children in school who qualify for other programs such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR.
The program was designed to meet the nutritional requirements of children who depend on the school meal program during the academic year.
Benefit Amounts and Distribution
For the summer, each eligible child will be given a payment of $120. This payment will help families purchase groceries to ensure that children can eat while the school year is over. Here are some key points:
- Amount: $120 per eligible child.
- Payment: Payments will be made every two weeks until the end of September, as long as there are new children who are eligible.
- Expiration: Benefits will expire after 122 days, and a 30-day notice is given before the expiration date.
- Geographical Variations: The program can have different names or specific details depending on where you are.
Eligibility Requirements
General Criteria
SUN Bucks is only available to households that meet certain criteria.
- Age: Children must be school-age (typically between 5 and 18 years).
- Program Participants: The household must be enrolled in SNAP TANF FDPIR or Medicaid income-eligible, or the children must attend a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
Income Eligibility
If your household’s income falls below certain thresholds, you can still apply. The USDA website has more information on income requirements.
Automatic Enrollment
If a child is eligible for free school meals or is a SNAP, TANF or FDPIR beneficiary, they will automatically be enrolled.
Benefit Amount
The amount of the basic SNAP benefits depends on the number children in the family:
| Number of children | Basic Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| One Child | $120 |
| Two Children | $240 |
| Three Children | $360 |
| More Than Three | Each child is entitled to $120 |
Application Process
Families who are not automatically enrolled can submit an application directly via the USDA portal or through state-specific portals. These are the steps:
- Visit the USDA website. USDA SUN Bucks program.
- Check Your Eligibility: Review your income eligibility and other requirements.
- Submit application: Fill out the application form, and attach all necessary documents.
Duration and Validity
SUN Bucks is a program that provides benefits during the summer months. The $120 payment per child is issued only once. The benefits are valid for up to 122 days after the date of issue.
Dates to Remember
- North Carolina: The first distribution took place in mid-June of 2024 with bi-weekly distributions.
- Washington State: Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2024.
Payment Schedule
SNAP benefits will be given based on the recipient’s Social Security Number. The schedule for August 2020 is as follows:
| SSN ending with | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 00 to 04 | First Day of Each Month |
| From 05 to 09 | The 2nd day of every month |
| 10 to 14 | The 3rd day of every month |
| 15 to 19 | The 4th day of every month |
| 20 to 24 | The 5th day of every month |
| 25 to 29 | The 6th day of every month |
| 30 to 34 | Every 7th day of the Month |
| 35 to 39 | The 8th day of every month |
| 40 to 44 | The 9th day of every month |
| 45 to 49 | The 10th day of every month |
| Between 50 and 54 | The 11th day of every month |
| 55 to 59 | The 12th day of every month |
| 60 to 64 | 13th day of every month |
| 65-69 | Every Month, the 14th day of every month |
| 70 to 74 | Every 15th day of the Month |
| 75 to 79 | 16th day of every month |
| 80 to 84 | 17th day of every month |
| The 85th to the 89th decade | The 18th day of every month |
| 90 to 94 | The 19th day of every month |
| 95 to 99 | Every 20th day of the Month |
State-Specific Payment Dates
State-specific schedules govern the distribution of SNAP benefits. Here are a few examples:
| State | Payment Date Range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | From 4 to 23 August |
| Arizona | From 1 to 13 August |
| Arkansas | From 4 to 13 August |
| Delaware | The 23rd of August |
| Florida | From 1 to 28 August |
| Georgia | From 5 to 23 August |
| Indiana | From 5 to 23 August |
| Kentucky | From 1 to 19 August |
| Louisiana | From 1 to 23 August |
| Maine | 10-14 August |
| Maryland | From 4 to 23 August |
| Massachusetts | From 1 to 14 August |
| Michigan | From 3 to 21 August |
| Minnesota | From 4 to 13 August |
| Mississippi | From 4 to 21 August |
| Missouri | From 1 to 22 August |
| New Mexico | From 1 to 20 August |
| North Carolina | From 3 to 21 August |
| Ohio | From 2 to 20 August |
| Pennsylvania | From 3 to 14 August |
| Puerto Rico | From 4 to 22 August |
| Tennessee | From 1 to 20 August |
| Utah | 15 August |
| Washington | From 1 to 20 of August |
| Wisconsin | From 1-15 August |
Sun Bucks SNAP benefits of $120 for August 2024 are designed to support low-income families and individuals, particularly those with children in school. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the application process will help you to ensure that you receive the benefits for which you are eligible. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, always refer to the SNAP official website.
FAQs
How much is the SUN Bucks benefit?
Benefits are a one-time payment for each eligible child of $120.
Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?
Children who are enrolled in NSLP/SBP or who come from families that receive SNAP benefits, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid.
How can I get SUN Bucks?
For details, visit the USDA SUN Bucks program and submit all required documentation.