Indiana Launches Summer EBT Program “SUN Bucks” to Support Families in Providing Nutritious Meals

April 26, 2024

Summer EBT, branded as Indiana SUN Bucks, is a new and permanent program provided by the State to issue money to households with school-aged children to purchase food during the summer.

  • Households may be eligible to receive a $120 lump sum benefit for each qualifying child.
  • Children must be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and eligibility must be established annually.
  • Qualifying students are defined as all children enrolled in school – including pre-k and those older than 18, as long as they were enrolled during the 2023-2024 school year.

Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?
M.S.D. of Wayne Township is a CEP district, which means we provide free meals to all students. Students who attend CEP schools do not automatically qualify for SUN Bucks. Each student must qualify based on the following information:

  • The student must be considered direct certified. Direct certified students are considered those receiving SNAP, TANF, income-based Medicaid (meeting the USDA income guidelines) or are foster, migrant, or homeless.
  • Students who have a free/reduced application on file with the school district as approved for free/reduced status.

If your student falls into either one of these categories listed above, there’s no action required.

Those who are not approved for free or reduced benefits, but feel they might qualify, should apply using the Indiana SUN Bucks application. The deadline to apply for 2024 SUN Bucks benefits is Friday, August 16, 2024.

Important Facts to Know

  • New cards will be issued for this program in June 2024 with the full $120 benefit.
  • Those who apply between May 1-August 16, 2024, will be processed and receive their card as quickly as possible after approval.
  • Households will receive one card for each eligible student in the household.
  • The money can be spent on the same items that SNAP dollars can be spent on.
  • Households have until Monday, April 29, 2024, to update their Skyward mailing address with their student’s school.
  • After Tuesday, April 30, the help form must be used to submit address changes, opt out of card benefits, ask questions about eligibility, inquire about a missing card, and notify of fraud or stolen benefits.

Additional Resources

If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Department at 317-988-7950.