If you are having trouble activating your card, be sure to enter 0000 when
asked to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number
(SSN). If at any time the full SSN is needed, enter zero nine times
(000-00-0000).
Eligibility
Q.
What is Virginia SUN Bucks?
A.
Virginia SUN Bucks is a federal food benefit program created to reduce
childhood hunger by providing eligible children with a one-time $120
food benefit on a SUN Bucks card or a household's current
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT card to purchase
groceries. Many families will get the benefit without applying, while
some families will need to apply.
Q.
Who is automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks and does not
need to apply?
A.
Most children eligible to receive Virginia SUN Bucks will receive the
benefit automatically without having to fill out an application. Your
child is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks if they:
- Receive SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or participate in Medicaid based on your income.
- Applied for and received free or reduced-price meals during the 2023-2024 school year through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). (This does not include what's called Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP, schools in which all students receive free meals without an application process.)
Q.
How do I know if my family needs to apply for Virginia SUN
Bucks?
A.
You must apply for Virginia SUN Bucks if your child did not apply for
and receive free or reduced-price school meals or your family does not
participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income. Some schools
provide free meals to kids without an application. If your child attends
one of these schools and they do not participate in SNAP, TANF or
Medicaid based on your income, you should
apply!
Q.
How do I know if my child is ineligible for Virginia SUN Bucks and
should NOT apply?
A.
Your household may be ineligible if your income is above the program
limit. The total amount of money your household can make depends on how
many people live with you.
Click here
to see if you make too much to participate in Virginia SUN Bucks.
Another way your child may be ineligible for Virginia SUN Bucks is if they are homeschooled, attend a virtual school, or attend a non-public school that does not participate in the NSLP and your family does not participate in SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid. All public schools in Virginia are required to participate in the NSLP by state mandate.
Another way your child may be ineligible for Virginia SUN Bucks is if they are homeschooled, attend a virtual school, or attend a non-public school that does not participate in the NSLP and your family does not participate in SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid. All public schools in Virginia are required to participate in the NSLP by state mandate.
Q.
If my children are not enrolled in a National School Lunch Program
(NSLP) school and are not receiving benefits through SNAP, TANF or
Medicaid based on my income, are they still eligible for Virginia SUN
Bucks?
A.
No, children who are not attending an
NSLP school
may only establish eligibility for Virginia SUN Bucks if they are
receiving benefits through SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income.
Q.
My child's school does not participate in a free or reduced
meals program and my family is low-income, so is my child eligible for
this program?
A.
School-aged children who are not attending an NSLP school may be
eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks if they participate in SNAP, TANF or
Medicaid based on your income.
The Virginia SUN Bucks program has income limits for eligibility, so your household income must be under the maximum income limits for your household size. You can check the Virginia SUN Bucks income eligibility guidelines here.
Alternatively, if you need support, you can apply for SNAP, TANF and Medicaid on-line at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
The Virginia SUN Bucks program has income limits for eligibility, so your household income must be under the maximum income limits for your household size. You can check the Virginia SUN Bucks income eligibility guidelines here.
Alternatively, if you need support, you can apply for SNAP, TANF and Medicaid on-line at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
Q.
How do I know if I'm eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks based on my
income?
A.
Your household is automatically eligible if your family participates in
the SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income, or your child applied
for and received free or reduced-price school meals. If your family does
not meet one of those eligibility factors, then your household must meet
the
Virginia SUN Bucks income guidelines.
Please note that Virginia SUN Bucks may have a different income limit than other benefit programs.
Please note that Virginia SUN Bucks may have a different income limit than other benefit programs.
Q.
You say a school-age child is automatically eligible for SUN Bucks
based on income-based Medicaid-what does that mean?
A.
Receiving Medicaid is based on household income and size. Therefore, if
your family meets the income limits for household size (see income table), your child may automatically be eligible for Virginia SUN
Bucks.
Q.
Is my child automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks if they
receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
A.
Your child may receive SSI because of a disability and not based on
your family's income. Therefore, other factors such as household
income or whether your child receives SNAP, TANF or NSLP need to be
considered for SUN Bucks eligibility.
Q.
Will all children who attend special provision schools (called
Community Eligibility Provision or CEP schools) be automatically
enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks?
A.
No. Attending a CEP school, in which all students receive free meals
without an application, does not mean you are not automatically eligible
for Virginia SUN Bucks unless your family is also
enrolled in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income, or your child
was placed in foster care. If you do not meet one of those criteria, but
believe you would qualify based on your income, you must apply in order
to receive Virginia SUN Bucks.
Your child also can apply if your household becomes income-eligible during the summer (check your income eligibility here) or if they submitted a meal application at school.
Your child also can apply if your household becomes income-eligible during the summer (check your income eligibility here) or if they submitted a meal application at school.
Q.
Can homeschooled children receive Virginia SUN Bucks?
A.
School-aged children who are homeschooled may be eligible for Virginia
SUN Bucks only if they participate in SNAP, TANF or income-eligible
Medicaid. If you are one of these households, you automatically qualify
for Virginia SUN Bucks.
Q.
My family was eligible for SNAP, TANF and/or Medicaid for only part
of the year. Is my child still eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks?
A.
If your child was attending a public school in Virginia and your family
participated in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income, your
child's eligibility remains in effect for the entire school year,
and they are still automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks.
Q.
If my child attends a year-round school, are they still eligible for
Virginia SUN Bucks if they meet all other eligibility requirements?
A.
Yes. Children attending year-round eligible schools are still eligible
for Virginia SUN Bucks.
Q.
My child receives free lunch at school, so why do I need to
apply?
A.
You only need to apply if your household has not completed and been
approved for a free or reduced-price meal application OR does not
participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income.
There are some schools that provide free meals to all students without an application. If your student attends one of these schools (called Community Eligibility Provision or CEP), and your student does not participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income, then your child will need to apply to receive Virginia SUN Bucks if your income meets the eligibility guidelines.
Learn more about eligibility for Virginia SUN Bucks.
There are some schools that provide free meals to all students without an application. If your student attends one of these schools (called Community Eligibility Provision or CEP), and your student does not participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on your income, then your child will need to apply to receive Virginia SUN Bucks if your income meets the eligibility guidelines.
Learn more about eligibility for Virginia SUN Bucks.
Q.
My child attends a virtual-only school. Is my child eligible for
Virginia SUN Bucks?
A.
School-aged children who attend virtual school are eligible for
Virginia SUN Bucks only if they also participate in SNAP, TANF or
income-eligible Medicaid.
Benefits
Q.
When will VDSS issue Virginia SUN Bucks benefits?
A.
Benefits will be issued beginning August 9, 2024, starting with the
majority of children who automatically qualified through SNAP, TANF,
income-based Medicaid and NSLP. Then benefits will be issued to families
who were approved after submitting an application. SUN Bucks issuances
will continue through September, depending on when you applied, so
families will get their benefits at different times.
Q.
How will I get my benefits?
A.
If your household participates in SNAP, the Virginia SUN Bucks benefits
will be loaded onto your existing SNAP EBT card. If your household does
not participate in SNAP, your Virginia SUN Bucks benefits will be loaded
onto a new Virginia SUN Bucks card that will be mailed to the address on
file with your school.
Q.
What can I buy with Virginia SUN Bucks benefits?
A.
You can use your benefits to purchase food such as fruits, vegetables,
meat, whole grains and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markers and
other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits.
Learn more.
Card
Q.
What should I do when I get my SUN Bucks card in the mail?
A.
Your Virginia SUN Bucks card will come in the mail with instructions
that show you step-by-step how to activate your SUN Bucks card.
Q.
How do I PIN my card?
A.
There are three ways to PIN your Virginia SUN Bucks card and manage your
benefits account. Secure information about how to PIN your card is also
included in the envelope your card came with.
Three options:
Three options:
- Visit connectebt.com and log on.
- Download the ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone via the App Store or Play Store.
- Call 866-281-2448.
- Enter the 16-digit EBT card number located on the front of the card.
- Enter the date of birth of the oldest child receiving free or reduced meals.
- Enter 0000 when asked for the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN). If at any time the full SSN is needed, it will be 000-00-0000.
- Enter a four-digit pin number (four numbers you will remember), but don't use 1111, 2222, etc. Be sure to keep this PIN secret and do not share it with others.
Q.
How can I check the balance on my card?
A.
It's a good idea to check how much money you have on your card before
you go shopping. There are a few ways you can check your balance
anytime:
- Visit www.ConnectEBT.com and select Virginia EBT from the dropdown box.
- Check your receipt when you make a purchase with the card; your remaining balance will be printed there.
- Use the point-of-sale device at the store: swipe your card, enter your PIN and do a balance inquiry.
- Call the customer service number at 866-281-2448, enter your 16-digit number on the front of your card and hear the balance inquiry.
Q.
If I receive a Virginia SUN Bucks card and don't want the
benefits, what do I do with the card?
A.
Do not use the card. The benefits will be removed from the card and
returned to the USDA Food Nutrition Service after 122 days of non-use.
You will receive a letter in the mail 30-45 days before the benefits are
removed reminding you about the benefits.
Q.
What should I do if I receive a duplicate benefit or received
benefits in error?
A.
Do not use the card. The benefits will be removed from the card and
returned to the USDA Food Nutrition Service after 122 days of non-use.
You will receive a letter in the mail 30-45 days before the benefits are
removed reminding you about the benefits.
Q.
I lost my card. What should I do?
A.
Customers who have lost their card should call Virginia's EBT Client
Customer Service Helpdesk at
866-281-2448
(accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to cancel the lost card and
request a new one that will be mailed to your home. (TTY-relay services for hearing/speech impaired can be access by
calling
800-828-1120)
Q.
Can VDSS replace my SUN Bucks benefits that were stolen through
fraudulent means?
A.
No, Virginia SUN Bucks benefits cannot be replaced if they are stolen
through card skimming, card cloning or similar fraudulent methods.
Q.
What should I do with the Virginia SUN Bucks card when my benefits
are used up?
A.
Please keep your card because VDSS plans to issue Virginia SUN Bucks
benefits on existing cards next year.
Q.
I thought my child was enrolled automatically, but I have yet to
receive my card. What should I do?
A.
If you have not received your card by September, please call the
Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at
866-513-1414
(toll-free) or
804-294-1633
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m. to check the status of
your eligibility and benefits issuance.
Q.
I have multiple children. Will I get a card for each child?
A.
If your family receives SNAP benefits, the Virginia SUN Bucks benefits
will be loaded onto your existing SNAP EBT card. If you do not receive
SNAP benefits, Virginia SUN Bucks benefits should be loaded onto one
card for all eligible children in your family.
Q.
When will my Virginia SUN Bucks benefits expire?
A.
Once you receive your benefits, you have 122 days to use them. After
122 days, the benefits will be removed from your card. We'll send
you a notice about 30 days before your benefits are set to expire.
Q.
My friend received their Virginia SUN Bucks card, but I haven't.
Do I need to reapply?
A.
No. Families eligible to receive this food benefit receive their cards
at different times, depending on when their application was received and
approved. But if you have not received your benefits by September,
please contact the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at
866-513-1414.
Q.
What if I'm supposed to get a Virginia SUN Bucks card without
applying, but had a recent change in address?
A.
Addresses are generally updated in the VDSS system called VaCMS with
information provided by you and/or your child's school. If you
believe that you have not received your card because of an incorrect
address, contact the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at
866-513-1414.
Q.
How do you determine the name of the parent/guardian on the
card?
A.
The parent or guardian's name on the card will be determined by how the
child is first found eligible for the Virginia SUN Bucks program.
- Children who are eligible for this program because of participation in SNAP will have their benefits loaded onto their parent or guardian's SNAP card.
- Children who are eligible for this program because of their participation in TANF, certain income-eligible Medicaid programs, or foster care, but do not receive SNAP benefits, will have benefits loaded onto a Virginia SUN Bucks card in the name and address of the parent/guardian on file in the qualifying program.
- Children who are eligible for the program because they applied for and receive free or reduced-price meals at school will have a Virginia SUN Bucks card sent in the name of a parent/guardian and address in the school's student information system.
- Children who are eligible for the program because they applied for Virginia SUN Bucks by phone or a paper application will receive benefits on a card issued to the parent or guardian and address who applied for the program.
Q.
What if I receive a card with a name on it that is not the parent,
guardian or student?
A.
The Virginia SUN Bucks card might be issued in the name of the parent or
guardian listed in their school records or in their case file for other
benefits or in the student's name. It's fine to use the card that was
given to you as long as you're taking care of the student and providing
their meals.
If you're not taking care of the child, and the benefits were given to you by mistake, please call the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414 (toll-free) or 804-294-1633 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m.
If you're not taking care of the child, and the benefits were given to you by mistake, please call the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414 (toll-free) or 804-294-1633 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m.
Q.
How will unhoused students, those experiencing foster care or
migrants get their SUN Bucks benefits?
A.
Children experiencing foster care will get their Virginia SUN Bucks
cards sent to the address listed in the file at their local DSS
office.
For children who automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks who are unhoused or migrants, the Virginia SUN Bucks card will be sent to the last known address on file with their school or benefits caseworker or to their local DSS office for pickup if no address is known.
If you are submitting a Virginia SUN Bucks application and are unhoused or migrant, please use the address where you receive your mail or the address of your local department of social services.
For children who automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks who are unhoused or migrants, the Virginia SUN Bucks card will be sent to the last known address on file with their school or benefits caseworker or to their local DSS office for pickup if no address is known.
If you are submitting a Virginia SUN Bucks application and are unhoused or migrant, please use the address where you receive your mail or the address of your local department of social services.
Additional Questions
Q.
Are there other food programs or resources available for me to
secure food for my child?
A.
Yes, you can find that information on the VDSS
Food Connections page, as well as on the Virginia Department of Education's
Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids page.
Q.
Where can I get program updates?
A.
This Virginia SUN Bucks webpage will be updated regularly with new
information about the program, so check back to learn more about the
Virginia SUN Bucks and get the latest updates.
Also, follow VDSS on social media (Facebook, Instagram and X) to be the first to know about updates and other announcements about the SUN Bucks program.
Also, follow VDSS on social media (Facebook, Instagram and X) to be the first to know about updates and other announcements about the SUN Bucks program.
Q.
Will participating in Virginia SUN Bucks hurt my immigration
status?
A.
No, receiving Virginia SUN Bucks does not affect you, your child or your
family's immigration status.
Q.
Does receiving Virginia SUN Bucks disqualify me from other summer
food programs?
A.
No, receiving Virginia SUN Bucks does not disqualify your child from
participating in other food programs.
For free summer meals for kids, text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find a location in your area for children 18 and under.
For free summer meals for kids, text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find a location in your area for children 18 and under.
Q.
Will I have to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks in 2025 and each year
after that?
A.
Unless your child is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks in
ways outlined in these FAQs, you will have to apply each year because
your family's circumstances can change from year to year.
Q.
When I apply for Virginia SUN Bucks, do I need to provide any
documents to prove my child is eligible for the benefit?
A.
No, when you apply and sign the application, you will be asked to
attest, or promise, that the information you listed on the application
is correct and truthful. This process may change in 2025.
Q.
Is Virginia SUN Bucks the same as P-EBT?
A.
No, Virginia SUN Bucks is a new pilot program. It is completely
different from Summer P-EBT that ended on September 30, 2023. Just
because you received P-EBT before doesn't mean you'll automatically
qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks.
Community Partners
Q.
I'm a worker who wants to help families understand Virginia SUN
Bucks. What materials do you have?
A.
Thank you for your partnership with Virginia SUN Bucks. We have
developed a
Community Partner Resources page with
translated versions of promotional materials and the SUN Bucks
application to help with your outreach efforts.
Q.
As a community partner, can I apply for Virginia SUN Bucks on behalf
of a family?
A.
Yes, you can apply for the benefit on behalf of a family as long as you
have the necessary information to complete the application.
Appeal Process
Q.
If my child is denied Virginia SUN Bucks, how can I appeal the
decision?
A.
If you disagree with a denial in your Virginia SUN Bucks case, you have
the right to appeal and request a fair hearing. A fair hearing means
that an official will review the facts of your case in a fair and
objective manner as required by law.
The procedures for appeals and fair hearings related to Virginia SUN Bucks eligibility will generally follow the current appeal and fair hearing procedures for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Hearing procedures will provide an opportunity for families to appeal an eligibility determination made by VDSS and give VDSS an opportunity to challenge the continued eligibility of the child.
To appeal your Virginia SUN Bucks denial decision and request a fair hearing, you may start the appeal and fair hearing process either in writing or by phone.
All written requests for appeals may be submitted by mail to the following address by Dec. 1, 2024:
Virginia SUN Bucks Appeals c/o Benefit Programs
Virginia Department of Social Services
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Individuals may also request a Virginia SUN Bucks appeal by calling 804-726-7000 by Dec. 1, 2024.
The procedures for appeals and fair hearings related to Virginia SUN Bucks eligibility will generally follow the current appeal and fair hearing procedures for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Hearing procedures will provide an opportunity for families to appeal an eligibility determination made by VDSS and give VDSS an opportunity to challenge the continued eligibility of the child.
To appeal your Virginia SUN Bucks denial decision and request a fair hearing, you may start the appeal and fair hearing process either in writing or by phone.
All written requests for appeals may be submitted by mail to the following address by Dec. 1, 2024:
Virginia SUN Bucks Appeals c/o Benefit Programs
Virginia Department of Social Services
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Individuals may also request a Virginia SUN Bucks appeal by calling 804-726-7000 by Dec. 1, 2024.
Q.
What do I need for my request to appeal?
A.
You need to include information that would allow us to identify and
contact you regarding your request, including your case number on the
denial notice. Also include what you are appealing and why you believe
the denial determination is in error.
Q.
What takes place in the Virginia SUN Bucks appeal and fair hearing
process?
A.
The first step is to hold a virtual or phone pre-hearing meeting. In the
pre-hearing meeting, we will discuss the reason for the denial, and you
can explain why you think you are eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks. At
the meeting, you may be represented by an authorized representative,
legal counsel, relative or friend. Your failure to request or
participate in a pre-hearing meeting has no effect on your right to
appeal and have a fair hearing, or on your right to continued
participation.
If you want to continue the process after the pre-hearing meeting, then your information is forwarded to VDSS Appeals and Fair Hearings, who will ensure that:
If you want to continue the process after the pre-hearing meeting, then your information is forwarded to VDSS Appeals and Fair Hearings, who will ensure that:
- The fair hearing will be held quickly and easily, and you will be given adequate notice about the time and place of the hearing, which is usually conducted virtually by phone or video conference.
- The hearing will be conducted, and the decision made, by a hearing official who did not participate in making the initial decision to deny benefits or in any previously held conference.
-
Prior to and during the fair hearing, you can:
- Be helped or represented by an attorney or other person.
- Examine, before and during the hearing, any documents and records presented to support the decision under appeal.
- Present verbal evidence or documents supporting your position without unnecessary interference.
- Question or deny any testimony or other evidence and confront and cross-examine any opposing witnesses.
Q.
Can I get free legal help?
A.
You may be able to get free legal help from Virginia Legal Aid by
calling
866-534-5243 or
visiting
www.valegalaid.org
for more information.
