How to Get SUN Bucks
Most eligible children are considered “streamlined certified” and do not have to apply for SUN Bucks. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through school a meal application or Universal Benefits Application, or get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level), are automatically enrolled.
However, children who have not previously qualified for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for SUN Bucks. To check if your child is eligible, ask your child’s school or school administrator's office for a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application. Click here to visit the California Department of Education webpage for downloading the Universal Benefits Application. Complete the form and return it to your child's school or school administrator's office by September 1, 2025. They will evaluate the form and determine if your child is eligible for SUN Bucks based on household income requirements.
SUN Bucks Card Mailing Schedule
Most families will begin receiving their 2024 SUN Bucks cards in mid-June through August. Due to the large volume of automatically eligible children (nearly 5 million), issuances will occur in two stages:
- Stage 1: Automatically enrolled kids will begin receiving their cards mid-June and continuing through August. Cards will be mailed in alphabetical order by the child’s last name (A-Z).
Stage 1: Estimated Card Delivery by Month & Last Name for Automatically Enrolled Kids
| Month |
Last Name Starting Letter |
| Mid-June |
A-D |
| July |
E-L |
| August |
M-Z |
- Stage 2: Kids will get their cards in Stage 2 if they were: (1) not automatically enrolled in Stage 1, and (2) determined eligible after the start of Stage 1. This includes kids who were determined eligible based on:
- Alternative Income Forms,
- School meal applications, or
- Getting CalWORKs, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal (below 185% FPL)
Regardless of when the card is received, every SUN Bucks card will be loaded with the full $120 per child.
SUN Bucks Card Expungement
You must 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 receives 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.
Last Updated: August 1, 2024