How to Receive $120 SUN Bucks Payments in California: Know Eligibility & More Details

While CalFresh (SNAP) benefits in California have already been distributed for August, many residents may still receive additional financial support through the SUN Bucks program.

Unlike CalFresh, SUN Bucks payments are specifically targeted at children and are distributed on a different schedule. Here’s what you need to know about the $120 payments and who is eligible to receive them in August.

What Are SUN Bucks?

SUN Bucks is a program managed by the California Department of Social Services designed to provide additional financial support to eligible children.

The payments are distributed via SUN Bucks cards, which function similarly to CalFresh (SNAP) EBT cards. The primary goal of the program is to assist families with children who may not qualify for other forms of financial aid, such as CalFresh.

SUN Bucks Payments in August

The distribution of SUN Bucks payments is done in stages, and the process began earlier this summer. The $120 payment is part of the Stage 1 distribution, which started in mid-June and continues through August 2024.

Stage 1 Recipients

If your child’s last name starts with letters M-Z and you qualified for SUN Bucks automatically, you should expect to receive your SUN Bucks card by mail in August. This stage of distribution covers families who did not need to apply for the program because they were automatically enrolled based on eligibility criteria.

The mailing schedule for SUN Bucks cards follows this alphabetical order:

• June: Last names A-D
• July: Last names E-L
• August: Last names M-Z

Stage 2 Recipients

Stage 2 is designated for children who were not automatically enrolled in Stage 1 but were later determined to be eligible. This includes:

• Children who now qualify for SNAP benefits but did not at the start of Stage 1.
• Families who submitted an Alternative Income Form or a School Meal Application after Stage 1 began.

Regardless of when eligibility was determined or when the application was submitted, Stage 2 recipients will also receive the full $120 payment on their SUN Bucks card.

How to Receive SUN Bucks

If you are eligible for SUN Bucks but have not received your payment, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Check Your Mail: SUN Bucks cards are sent by mail, so it’s important to keep an eye on your mailbox, especially if your child’s last name falls within the current distribution window.
2. Submit Required Forms: If you missed the automatic enrollment but believe you qualify, you can still submit a School Meal Application or Alternative Income Form by August 31, 2024. This could potentially qualify you for SUN Bucks in Stage 2.
3. Contact the California Department of Social Services: If you believe you are eligible but haven’t received your payment, contact the department for further assistance.

How to Use SUN Bucks

The California Department of Social Services recommends using your SUN Bucks before utilizing any other benefits like SNAP or CalFresh. The $120 on the SUN Bucks card can be used to purchase groceries and other essentials, similar to how CalFresh benefits are used.

Spending Tips:

• Prioritize SUN Bucks: Spend your SUN Bucks first to maximize the benefits provided by this program.
• Plan Your Purchases: Make a list of essential items you need to buy with your SUN Bucks to ensure the funds are used effectively.

The SUN Bucks program provides essential financial support to families who may not qualify for other programs like CalFresh.

With the ongoing distribution through August 2024, many eligible families will continue to receive this much-needed assistance.

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