Good news for families in certain states! Children eligible for SNAP will get additional benefits this summer. Five states—California, New Jersey, North Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin—are rolling out SUN Bucks payments starting this June, as part of the Summer EBT program that offers kids an extra $120 during school breaks.
Over 30 US states, along with Washington, D.C., some tribal nations, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands, are all participating in this initiative.
California is one of the states leading the charge, distributing benefits through EBT cards from June onwards. Initially, children with last names starting from A to D are set to receive these extra payments.
Families whose children qualify for SNAP, FDPIR, or TANF are eligible for SUN Bucks. Also, if your child goes to a school with the National School Lunch Program and your income meets the criteria for free or reduced-price meals, you may qualify too.
Some states have opted out due to existing youth support programs or other reasons. Notably, Nebraska initially declined but reversed its decision after Governor Jim Pillen realized the importance of such assistance for low-income families.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture head, Tom Vilsack, criticized states that refused to join the program, emphasizing that this isn’t about politics but about supporting families in need.