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SUN Bucks

A new program called Summer EBT, or “SUN Bucks,” has been authorized by a bipartisan U.S. Congress to provide food dollars to low-income families with school-aged children over the summer months. The program is proven to reduce food insecurity and improve children's nutrition during summer break. Governor Shapiro’s administration announced that the Commonwealth would participate in this program beginning in the summer of 2024. 

Please see the SUN Bucks Memo regarding information on the Summer EBT "SUN Bucks" program and how to apply for the benefits, if your child/children are not in one of the groups that automatically qualify. 

As a reminder, a student is automatically eligible for 2024 SUN Bucks if they were enrolled any time during the 2023-2024 school year in an NSLP/SBP-participating school and qualified for free or reduced-price meals based on Direct Certification, Categorical Eligibility (homeless, foster, migrant, runaway, or Head Start), or​Household Application for Free/Reduced Meals.

 

Note: Students who attended a school that did not sponsor the NSLP/SBP in 2023-2024 are eligible for SUN Bucks if they are on the State’s DC list and are of compulsory age (6 to 18 years). DHS will automatically issue benefits to these children.

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Any student’s family who is not automatically eligible for SUN Bucks can apply for SUN Bucks directly with DHS (see application information under Resources below).

 

DHS SUN Bucks Resources:

1.      DHS SUN Bucks website:

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/resources/summer-ebt.html

2.      Eligibility Navigator – a tool on the DHS SUN Bucks website that allows families to determine if their child is automatically eligible for SUN Bucks and whether they need to apply. Online: 

SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator (pa.gov).

3.      SUN Bucks application – a fillable online form on the DHS SUN Bucks website or a paper form obtained at the family’s County Assistance Office (CAO).

·      SUN Bucks applications are due by 8/31/2024 to be considered for the 2024 benefit. Applications received by DHS after 8/31 will be considered during the 2025 summer application period.

4.      Family FAQs – printed on the DHS SUN Bucks website

5.      Recorded Family FAQs - 1-877-762-1575

6.      SUN Bucks questions via phone beginning 8/19/2024: 

1-877-395-8930, or 1-215-560-7226 in Philadelphia