SUN BUCKS California
Updated 5/27/25
What is SUN Bucks?
Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer! Also known as Summer EBT (S-EBT), SUN Bucks is a new program designed to help families buy groceries for their school-aged children during the summer period, which is June 1st through September 2nd, 2025.
Families must use SUN Bucks within 122 days of funds being loaded to their child’s card. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs.
What is new this year?
· The final day to become eligible for SUN Bucks has been extended to September 2, 2025.
Changes to Eligibility Applications:
· Alternative Income Forms cannot be used to determine eligibility for 2025 SUN Bucks.
· Universal Benefits Applications can now be used to determine eligibility for 2025 SUN Bucks.
Will my child get SUN Bucks?
· Automatic eligibility (No action is required) will be given to children for 2025 if they are:
o Age 6-18 and enrolled in CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal.
o Age 0-22, enrolled in a California school that is part of the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program, AND is approved for free or reduced price meals.
o Designated as homeless, migrant, foster, or runaway.
Not enrolled in CalFresh, CalWORKs or Medi-Cal?
· Your child may be eligible if they are:
o Age 0-22.
o Enrolled in a school (including Head Start programs) that participates in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program
o And receives free or reduced-price meals.
Eligibility is based on your family’s gross income being below (For 2024-25 school year)
o $39,127.50 for a family of 2
o $49,302.50 for a family of 3
o $59,477.50 for a family of 4
o $69,653.50 for a family of 5
To apply:
Inquire at your child’s school or school administrator’s office by September 2, 2025 by submitting:
· An approved National School Lunch Program Application
· An approved Universal Benefits Application
o Alternative Income Forms cannot be used to determine eligibility for 2025 SUN Bucks.
SUN Bucks Eligibility Period
· Your child will receive SUN Bucks in 2025 if you become eligible between July 1, 2024 to September 2, 2025. The last day to become eligible for SUN Bucks in 2025 is September 2.
Please Note: Applications submitted between July 1, 2025, and September 2, 2025, will make students eligible for both 2025 and 2026 SUN Bucks.
How much in SUN Bucks benefits will my child get?
· Families will receive a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child. The maximum SUN Bucks benefit is $40 per eligible child, per month, for each of the three months when schools are closed for the summer (June, July, August).
How will my child get the SUN Bucks card?
· Eligible families will receive SUN Bucks on an S-EBT card mailed to their home. You will get a separate SUN Bucks card for each eligible child.
· If no mailing address is on file, the card may be sent to your child’s school, school district or county office.
When will I get my SUN Bucks?
If your child qualifies from the 2024-2025 school year, they will begin receiving their 2025 SUN Bucks card in early June through September. Due to the large volume of eligible children (nearly 5 million), issuance will occur in two stages:
Stage 1: Automatically enrolled children
Cards will be mailed based on the first letter of the child’s last name.
· A-C: Early June
· D-F: Mid-June
· G-L: Late June
· M-P: Early July
· R-S: Mid-July
· T-Z: Late July
Stage 2. Newly Eligible Children:
Children who became eligible after the initial mailing list will receive SUN Bucks cards beginning in August and continuing until all mailings are complete. If your child was not automatically eligible before Stage 1, you will receive SUN Bucks if you were deemed eligible through
· Universal Benefits Applications,
· School meal applications, or
· Receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal
What should I do when I get my SUN Bucks card in the mail?
Follow the instructions that came with your SUN Bucks card:
· Set up your PIN.
· Start using your card to buy groceries
o Reminder: You must use your funds within 122 days of the load date.
What can I buy with SUN Bucks?
· You can use SUN Bucks just like a debit card to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept CalFresh EBT benefits.
Why Choose Mother’s Nutritional Center for SUN Bucks?
When you shop at Mother’s Nutritional Center with your SUN Bucks card, you get extra value for your family:
· Spend $15 or more in-store using SUN Bucks and receive a free gift, such as fresh produce or a food item.
What if I have not received the SUN Bucks card yet?
· SUN Bucks cards are mailed to automatically eligible children beginning in June until mailings are complete. If you submit a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to your child’s school before September 2, 2025 and are eligible, you will get a SUN Bucks card in the mail. If your child’s school says that your child is eligible, but you do not get a SUN Bucks card by November 30, 2025, you may call the SUN Bucks helpline at (877) 328-9677 to ask about the status of your card.
What if I’m supposed to get a SUN Bucks card without applying, but had a recent change in address?
· If your address has changed, update your address by contacting the SUN Bucks cardholder helpline at (877) 328-9677.
Will the card reload?
· No, the card will not be reloaded. SUN Bucks is a one-time lump sum payment of $120. A new benefit card will be issued each summer if your child qualifies again.
Is SUN Bucks a permanent program?
· Yes! SUN Bucks is a permanent food assistance program that will be available every summer, beginning Summer 2024. Each year, CDSS will provide information on how to receive SUN Bucks.
Can SUN Bucks be used across state lines?
· Yes, SUN Bucks can be used to purchase food from authorized retailers in participating states, Tribes, and territories.
o For a complete list of participating states, click here: 2025 Participating Tribal Nations/States/Territories
SUN Bucks Card Expungement
· You much use your SUN Bucks within 122 days of funds being loaded on the card. It is recommended to use SUN Bucks before CalFresh, if your family received both benefits. Any unused money on your card after 122 days will expire, or be expunged. Expired benefits cannot be replaced or put back on your card.
To check your SUN Bucks card balance and claim status, visit the California EBT cardholder website.
If you have any questions about your benefits, please call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, visit: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq
