Here’s How Some Louisiana Residents Can Get SUN Bucks

SHREVEPORT, LA - You might not know about SUN Bucks, but if you have children living in your home, you might be eligible to receive the assistance.

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) says we are now in Phase 3 of the SUN Bucks application process. Most children who qualify for SUN Bucks were automatically enrolled and provided benefits during Phases 1 and 2. But some families will need to complete an application to receive benefits.

Families can complete an online application by CLICKING HERE. A paper application option is also available for those who prefer to apply by mail. The deadline to apply is September 20.

SUN Bucks, funded by the USDA, aims to support low-income families by providing grocery-buying benefits during the summer when children do not receive school meals.

How Much Do Families Receive

Each eligible child receives a one-time benefit of $120. SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days from the date of issuance. This program is a critical part of Louisiana’s efforts to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food year-round.

• Students at Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools: All students at CEP schools receive free school meals without having to complete a form. CEP students who were not automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks during Phase 1 (SNAP recipients) or Phase 2 (Medicaid, FITAP, KCSP, & NSLP) will need to fill out a SUN Bucks application. Families unsure of their child’s enrollment status can verify by contacting their child’s school or calling the SUN Bucks helpline at 833-323-7482.
• Children experiencing homelessness
• Migrant children

Children who should not need to apply:

• Children who have already been issued benefits: Children ages 5-18 (born between August 15, 2005, and July 1, 2018) who received SNAP, income-based Medicaid, FITAP or KCSP benefits during the 2023-2024 school year.
• Students at National School Lunch Program (NSLP) schools who applied and qualified for free or reduced-price meals: Most public schools and some private schools participate in the NSLP. The SUN Bucks program will issue EBT cards to eligible NSLP students this week.

Important Notes from DCFS for Families:

• Check Your School’s Status: To determine whether your child’s school is a CEP school, please visit the 2024 CEP school list available at la/cep24. Alternatively, families can ask their child’s school directly or check for posted information on the school’s website.
• Application Period: The application period opens on August 19, 2024, and will close on September 20, 2024. Families can apply online at https://louisiana.summerebtapp.com.
• Card Issuance: Phase 3 recipients will receive new EBT cards mailed to the provided address on the application. Phase 2 cards are still being mailed out as Phase 3 begins. Recipients are advised to look out for plain white envelopes with an Erie, Pennsylvania, return address containing their SUN Bucks card and activation instructions. Envelopes will be addressed to the eligible child. Families with more than one child may receive their children’s cards at different times.
• Benefit Usage: SUN Bucks can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food items at stores that accept EBT cards. The benefits must be used within 122 days from the date of issuance.

If you want more info, contact the SUN Bucks helpline at 833-323-7482 or visit sunbucks.la.gov.