Do kids qualify for extra CalFresh benefits through 'Sunbucks' program?
I overheard someone at the grocery store talking about getting extra food benefits for their kids through something called 'Sunbucks'? My caseworker never mentioned this when I applied for CalFresh last month. I have 3 children (ages 5, 8, and 12) and we're barely making it on our current benefit amount ($825/month). Does anyone know if 'Sunbucks' is a real program and how I could get my kids qualified? Do I need to submit a separate application or contact my caseworker? Any help appreciated!
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Sofia Gomez
there is no sunbucks program for calfresh lol probably talking about summer ebt that replaced the pandemic ebt program for kids who get free school lunch. its for when school is out during summer
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Dylan Evans
•Oh! Summer EBT makes WAY more sense! My kids do get free lunch at school. So it's only during summer months? Is it automatic or do I have to apply somewhere?
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StormChaser
The program is called Summer EBT (not Sunbucks). It's a fairly new permanent program that provides extra food benefits for eligible children during summer when they can't access free or reduced-price school meals. If your children receive free school meals, they should qualify. Benefit amount for Summer 2025 will be $120 per eligible child for the entire summer. The benefits get added to your existing EBT card automatically if your children are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program - you don't need a separate application. Your county should send notification letters in late spring.
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Dylan Evans
•Thank you so much! That would be an extra $360 for all three kids which would help tremendously. Will the letter explain when exactly the benefits start? And is this different from the extra P-EBT benefits we used to get during COVID?
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Dmitry Petrov
I got this for my kids last summer! It used to be called P-EBT during the pandemic but now its permanent and called Summer EBT. My kids got $120 each and it just showed up on my regular CalFresh card in June. They should automatically give it to you if your kids get free lunch, but sometimes the school lists and CalFresh don't match up properly. MAKE SURE your kids' school has them properly registered for the free lunch program!!!!!!
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Ava Williams
•My kids got it too but it didn't come until July and I had to call because they only gave it for 1 of my 3 kids at first. Then it took another 3 weeks to fix.
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Miguel Castro
I think you're talking about Summer EBT but just confirming - your kids do qualify for free or reduced lunch at school, right? That's usually the qualifying factor. If they don't already get free lunch, you should apply for that through your school district first. The Summer EBT is supposed to be automatic but the systems don't always communicate properly between schools and CalFresh offices.
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Dylan Evans
•Yes, they all get free lunch! I filled out those forms at the beginning of the school year. So sounds like I should just wait for a letter about this in spring and don't need to do anything else now?
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Zainab Ibrahim
jus sayin dont always trust that its automatic!! Last year my siter's kids didn't get it even tho they should have. She waited all summer thinking it would come and it never did. Better to call in May to confirm they're on the list before schools out.
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Connor O'Neill
•This is solid advice. Unfortunately, many eligible families missed out on Summer EBT benefits last year due to data matching issues between school districts and county benefit systems. The program is still fairly new as a permanent benefit (only started in 2024), so there are still some kinks. I'd recommend calling your county office in May to verify your children are on the list. If you have trouble getting through to a representative (which is common), I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me skip the phone queue and got me connected to a CalFresh worker in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Worth it to ensure your kids get those extra summer benefits.
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Sofia Gomez
btw if ur income changed since u got approved u shud report it on ur next SAR7 form.... $825 seems kinda low for a family of 4 unless u have other income or low shelter costs
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Dylan Evans
•We do have Section 8 so our rent is lower, and I get child support that they count (about $600/month). But I'll check when I get my SAR7. When does that come again? After 6 months?
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StormChaser
Yes, you'll submit the SAR7 at the 6-month mark of your certification period. Since you applied last month, you should receive it around June 2025. Make sure you report any income changes accurately, including the child support. If your income has decreased at all since your initial application, you can actually report that now (not just at SAR7 time) and potentially get your benefit amount increased. Also, don't forget that your utility costs can be factored in using the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) which might increase your benefit amount.
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Dylan Evans
•Thank you! My income is the same but our electric bill has gone way up with summer coming. I'll ask about that SUA thing when I call to check on the Summer EBT in May. Really appreciate everyone's help in understanding these programs better!
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StarSailor}
Just wanted to add that you can also check your state's Summer EBT website for updates! California usually posts information about when benefits will be issued and any important deadlines. Also, if you move during the school year, make sure to update your address with both your school district AND your CalFresh case - I've seen families miss out because their notification letters went to old addresses. The $120 per child really does help stretch the food budget during summer when kids are home all day!
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