How to Get SUN Bucks
Streamlined Certification (Automatic Enrollment)
Children who are streamlined certified do not need to apply. They will automatically get their SUN Bucks 2026 cards in the mail, beginning in June 2026. Visit the
Who is Eligible page to learn more.
Application
Families much apply for SUN Bucks for each child who is not eligible through streamlined certification. Families can apply by submitting a Universal Benefits Application (UBA) or School Meal Application at their child's school. For SUN Bucks 2026, families must submit their applications by August 31, 2026. Families should ask their child's school for the applications.
- Reminder: Do not submit Universal Benefits Applications directly to the Department of Education or Department of Social Services. These forms must be processed by your child's school to establish eligibility for SUN Bucks. If you are unable to submit a UBA to your child's school site, ask the school district how to submit the application.
Families with approved applications will get their SUN Bucks 2026 cards in the mail, beginning in August 2026.
SUN Bucks Card Mailing Schedule (2026)
Due to the large volume of children getting SUN Bucks in California, card mailing will occur in two stages. Regardless of when the card arrives, each SUN Bucks card will be loaded with $120.
- Stage 1: Streamlined certified children will get their SUN Bucks cards in the mail in June through July 2026. CDSS will mail the cards 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 |
| Early June |
A-C |
| Mid-June |
D-F |
| Late June |
G-L |
| Early July |
M-Q |
| Mid-July |
R-S |
| Late July |
T-Z |
- Stage 2: Newly enrolled kids will begin getting their SUN Bucks cards in the mail in August 2026. These children include:
- Children who become newly eligible for CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the FPL).
- Children who are determined eligible through a Universal Benefits Application (UBA) or School Meal Application.
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: February 20, 2026