August SNAP Extra Payment – Millions of Americans Will Receive Additional Funds

Many Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients may qualify for an additional SNAP benefit payment of up to $120 this summer through the SUN Bucks project, also known as Summer EBT. This initiative, led by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensures that low-income students have access to nutritious food during the summer when free school-provided meals are unavailable. Regular SNAP benefits range from $291 to $1,751 depending on household size, but an extra $120 can be earned during the summer.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the additional payment, families must have school-age children. The extra funds aim to cover food costs while children are out of school. Over 30 million children are expected to receive financial assistance through the program, though not all states participate as many already offer similar aid. SNAP benefit payments, or SUN Bucks, can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, snacks, and soft drinks, but not hot food, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, or medications.

Increased Benefits

Millions of Americans will receive increased SNAP benefits this summer. Assistance targets families already enrolled in other government programs like SNAP, WIC, TANF, and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). If you participate in any of these programs, you are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Families in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program who meet income requirements (including the 185% poverty level of $55,500 per year and 130% of the federal poverty level) can also participate. Benefits range from $40 to $120, issued via an EBT debit card usable at selected supermarkets, grocery stores, and mobile markets. It’s essential to use the extra cash within 122 days after it is deposited.

Application Process

If you do not currently receive assistance from these programs but meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Summer EBT through the USDA website. Distribution of the one-time payments began on June 14 and will continue bi-weekly through September, allowing ample time to apply. According to the SNAP payment schedule, the following states will provide additional SNAP benefits in August:

• California (For individuals with last names starting with M through Z)
• Connecticut (Payments made in early August instead of June 23)
• Illinois
• Nebraska
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia

More than thirty states, Washington, D.C., several tribal nations, and U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) participate in SUN Bucks payments. However, twelve states do not participate:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Florida
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Wyoming

Benefits

Every eligible child in a household receives a $120 card to purchase $40 worth of food per month for June, July, and August. The EBT card can be used at most supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and authorized locations, as well as online at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Keep in mind, SUN Bucks cannot be used for hot food, pet food, cleaning supplies, medicine, or toiletries. In addition to Summer Meals, CalFresh, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), you can also use SUN Bucks for other food assistance programs.

The SUN Bucks project provides much-needed support for low-income families, ensuring children have access to nutritious food during the summer break. By knowing eligibility requirements and application processes, families can maximize their benefits and maintain a healthy diet for their children.

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