“SUN Bucks” Summer EBT program rolls out statewide
SUN Bucks electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards have started arriving in the mail for families across the state. Issued by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as part of the State’s Summer EBT program, SUN Bucks, provides families $40 per month for food in June, July, and August ($120 total) when children do not have access to school meals.
More than 4 million eligible children in California are automatically enrolled in the program. Households with automatically enrolled children will receive their cards by the end of July 2025. Eligible children who are not automatically enrolled in the program will need to apply with their school to get benefits.
Children who are not automatically enrolled may apply by submitting a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to their school by September 2, 2025, to receive SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2025.
Due to the large number of automatically enrolled children, SUN Bucks EBT card issuances will occur in two stages:
- Stage 1: Automatically enrolled children will receive their cards from early June through July 2025. Cards will be mailed in alphabetical order according to the child’s last name.
- Stage 2: Children determined eligible after the start of Stage 1 will begin receiving their cards in September 2025 until mailings are complete.
Regardless of when a SUN Bucks EBT card is mailed or received, funds must be used within 122 days of the funds being added to the card, per federal guidelines. Any unused funds on the card will expire after 122 days. Expired benefits cannot be replaced. Visit the CDSS website for more information.Participation in SUN Bucks will have no bearing on eligibility for CalFresh or any other public benefit program. Children who receive SUN Bucks may still participate in other summer meal options, such as SUN Meals.
