- Los Angeles Unified School District
- SUN Bucks
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The SUN Bucks Application is online!
Scroll down for the application link below.
Deadline to apply for Summer 2025 SUN Bucks:
September 2, 2025
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What are SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks provide families with $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during June, July, and August, the summer operational period. These benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and can be used just like CalFresh to purchase food items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, whole grains, and dairy at most grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other authorized retailers.
Who is Automatically Eligible (Streamlined Certification)?
For most eligible children, enrollment in SUN Bucks is an automatic process called "streamlined certification." Children are automatically eligible if they meet the following criteria:
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- They are aged 6–18 years old and their family participates in CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (with income confirmed at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)).
- Students identified as foster, experiencing homelessness, or receiving migrant education services
The Household Income Form (HIF) Cannot Qualify You for SUN Bucks
If your child is not automatically eligible (streamlined certified) based on participation in certain public assistance programs or categorical eligibility (migrant, homeless, foster), you MUST submit a Universal Benefits Application (UBA).
Before You Apply!
To complete the application, you will need:
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- Names of all students living with you that are attending school, using the exact spelling from their school records. Indicate if the student is in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or receiving migrant education services.
- The amount of any personal income received by the student and how often it is received.
- The case number of any household members (including yourself) who currently participate in CalFresh, CalWORKs/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
- Names of all other household members (do not include students listed above). For each, enter their income (in whole dollars) from:
- Earnings from work (before any deductions)
- Public Assistance/Child Support/Alimony
- Pensions/Retirement/Social Security (SSI)
- Any other income not already listed
- If a household member does not receive income, write 0. Leaving income sections blank means you are promising there is no income to report.
- Total number of household members (including all people living in your household).
- Contact Information & Signature: Printed name of adult household member, signature, mailing address, city, state & zip code, email address, daytime phone number, and date.
- Qualification for the benefit is based on the Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2025–26.
- Names of all students living with you that are attending school, using the exact spelling from their school records. Indicate if the student is in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or receiving migrant education services.
APPLY HERE:
English
Los Angeles Unified School District Universal Benefits Application (UBA)
En Español
Solicitud de Beneficios Universales del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles (UBA)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the application deadline for SUN Bucks?
The deadline to apply for 2025 SUN Bucks is September 2, 2025. Applications submitted between July 1, 2025, and September 2, 2025, can make students eligible for both 2025 and 2026 SUN Bucks.
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When can families expect to receive their SUN Bucks card?
SUN Bucks EBT cards for automatically enrolled children (Stage 1) will begin arriving in June 2025 and continue through July 2025, mailed in alphabetical order by the child’s last name. Newly eligible children (Stage 2), such as those who apply via Universal Benefits Application (UBA), will receive their cards starting in August 2025. Regardless of when the card is received, it will be loaded with the full $120 per eligible child. If you apply, are found eligible, and do not receive a card by November 30, 2025, you may call the SUN Bucks Helpline to inquire. Benefits are loaded onto the card two days after it is mailed.
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How long do I have to spend my SUN Bucks benefits?
You must use your SUN Bucks within 122 days of funds being loaded onto the card. Any unused money after 122 days will expire and cannot be replaced or put back on your card. If your family also receives CalFresh, it is recommended to use your SUN Bucks first as they have a shorter expiration timeline. The expungement date is not printed on the card or accompanying documents, but can be obtained from the helpline or ebtEDGE app.
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Is the Universal Benefits Application (UBA) needed for school meals?
No, school meals are free under the California Universal Meals Program. No application is required.
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How can I manage my SUN Bucks card, including setting up my PIN?
Instructions for setting up your Personal Identification Number (PIN) will come with your card. You can also download the free ebtEDGE mobile app to set up or change your PIN, check your balance, and manage card security features.
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Will receiving SUN Bucks affect my immigration status?
No, submitting this application and receiving SUN Bucks benefits will NOT hurt an individual's immigration status. SUN Bucks is a food benefit, and using government-funded food benefits does not harm your immigration status.
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Can I opt out of receiving SUN Bucks?
Yes, if you do not want your child to receive SUN Bucks, you can opt out by calling the SUN Bucks Helpline. You should also destroy any unwanted cards.
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How important is my address for receiving the card, and what if my address changes?
Accurate mailing addresses are critical for delivering benefits. It is important to update your contact information with your child’s school, your local county social services office, or online at BenefitsCal.com. If a student's address is missing in CALPADS, the card may be mailed to the district office for distribution. LAUSD will update student addresses in CALPADS based on the address provided on the UBA if there is a discrepancy. The helpline can also update your mailing address.
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Is there a verification process for SUN Bucks applications?
Yes, to ensure program integrity, a sample of approved UBA applications will be verified. If your application is selected, you will be notified and asked to provide documentation. Failure to cooperate with verification efforts will result in a denial or termination of benefits. Benefits generally cannot be issued for applications selected for verification until the process is completed.
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QUESTIONS?
SUN Bucks Helpline (household inquiries): (877) 328-9677
