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While families can now apply year-round for Virginia SUN Bucks through a paper application, many of the below frequently asked questions will be more relevant to your family when the Department begins to process and issue benefits in the spring and summer of 2026.
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Eligibility | Application | Benefits | Card Additional Questions | Community Partners | Appeal Process

Eligibility

 Q. What is Virginia SUN Bucks?
 A. Virginia SUN Bucks is a federal food benefit program created to reduce childhood hunger when school is not in session by providing eligible children with a one-time $120 food benefit. These funds will be loaded onto a new 2026 SUN Bucks card or a household's current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and can be used to purchase groceries. Many families will get the benefit without applying, while some families will need to apply based on their income eligibility.
 Q. Who is automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks and does not need to apply?
 A. A child is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks and does not need to apply if they: and/or
 Q. My child receives free lunch at school, so why do I need to apply?
 A. There are some schools that provide free meals to all students, regardless of income and without an application process. If your student attends one of these schools, where meals are provided through the school with a Community Eligibility Provision, and your student does not participate in SNAP, TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on your family income limit then your child will need to submit a paper application to receive Virginia SUN Bucks.
 Q. How do I know if my family needs to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks?
 A. You must apply for Virginia SUN Bucks if you qualify based on your income, but your child does not participate in SNAP, TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on your family income limit or is not enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.

Remember, Community Eligibility Provision schools provide free meals to kids without an application. So, if your child attends one of these schools and does not participate in SNAP, TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on your family income limit you should apply for Virginia SUN Bucks.
 Q. What do you mean when you say my child is eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks if they receive Medical Assistance based on my income?
 A. Only certain types of income-based Medical Assistance programs automatically enroll children into Virginia SUN Bucks. You can check the Federal Poverty Guidelines chart to see if your income is within the limit for this type of Medical Assistance.

For those who receive Medical Assistance whose annual income is more than these limits, you may be eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks, but will need to apply.
 Q. How do I know if my child doesn't qualify and shouldn't apply for Virginia SUN Bucks?
 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.

Other reasons why your child may be ineligible for Virginia SUN Bucks:
 Q. I don't think my family is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks. How do I apply?
 A. You can fill out, print, sign and mail the application to:

Virginia SUN Bucks
c/o VDSS
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Please note that the application cannot be processed by your local department of social services or school. VDSS will start reviewing applications in spring 2026.

You also can apply by contacting the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center beginning in summer 2026.
 Q. My child's school does not participate in the National School Lunch Program and my family is low-income, so is my child eligible for this program?
 A. School-age children who are not attending a National School Lunch Program school may be eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks if they participate in SNAP, TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on your family income limit. If your family does not meet one of those eligibility factors, then your household must meet the Virginia SUN Bucks income guidelines and submit a paper application. Note: Virginia SUN Bucks may have a different income limit than other benefit programs.

If you need additional support, you can apply for SNAP, TANF and Medical Assistance online at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
 Q. My income increased/decreased during the past year. How will that affect my child's eligibility for Virginia SUN Bucks?
 A. My income increased
If your child was eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks based on enrollment in the National School Lunch Program, SNAP, TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on your family income limit at any point between July 2025 through June 2026, your child remains eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks benefits even if your income later increases. However, you must be eligible, per the income guidelines, at the time you apply for school meals or Virginia SUN Bucks. If your income later increases, you will not have to pay back your benefits.

My income decreased
If your income decreases or your household size increases, you may be eligible and can apply for Virginia SUN Bucks. Applications will be reviewed for 2026 eligibility beginning in the spring. You may also consider applying for SNAP benefits at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
 Q. Can homeschooled children receive Virginia SUN Bucks?
 A. School-age children who are homeschooled may be eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks only if they participate in SNAP, TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on your family income limit. If you are one of these households, you automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks and do not need to apply.
 Q. My family was eligible for SNAP, TANF and/or Medical Assistance 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 aMedical Assistance program based on your family income limit, your child's eligibility remains in effect for the entire school year and they are 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 schools are still eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
 Q. My child attends a virtual-only school. Is my child eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks?
 A. School-age children who attend virtual school are eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks only if they also participate in SNAP, TANF or an income-based Medical Assistance program.
 Q. Does receiving Virginia SUN Bucks disqualify my child from other summer food programs? If not, what are they?
 A. No, receiving Virginia SUN Bucks does not disqualify your child from participating in other food programs. For example, SUN Meals and SUN Meals-to-Go are available to any child 18 years or younger, and no application or other information is needed. You can find more information about summer nutrition programs on the Virginia Department of Education's Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids page.

For free summer meals for kids, you can also visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder to find a location in your area for children 18 and under.
 Q. If I was overpaid and have spent all the benefits, will I have to pay back the money?
 A. If you are issued duplicate or overpayments, you should reach out to your local department of social services to report it. You will be responsible for repaying any benefits you have used for which your household was not eligible to receive.

Application

 Q. My child is not automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks, so when can I apply?
 A. VDSS is accepting applications for children not automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks for 2026. You can complete the application online, print and mail it to 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23060. All mailed applications will be reviewed by VDSS beginning in spring 2026. Applications will be processed by VDSS, not your local agency or your school.

Beginning in summer 2026, you can also apply by phone by contacting the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center.
 Q. Will I have to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks each year?
 A. Unless your child is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks, you will have to apply each year because your household's circumstances may change from year to year.
 Q. What information and documents will I need to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks if need to apply?
 A. You will need to provide your child's age, birth date, mailing address, the county/city school division and school they attend, and your household income. You also will need each student's local student ID number found in the school's parent portal. The student ID number is used in many schools by the student as their PIN for the cafeteria computer, to get information from their online learning portal, and on the student's report card.

You will be asked if the individual is a citizen and the last four digits of your child's Social Security number, but you are not required to answer these questions. Your application must include all members of your household, the amount, source and frequency of income for each household member, and a signature or else it will be rejected. If you are unsure of the answer to any of the other questions on the application, it is okay to write, "I do not know."

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 and that state officials may ask for documented verification of the information you provided.

Benefits

 Q. When will VDSS issue Virginia SUN Bucks benefits?
 A. Benefits will be issued beginning in summer 2026 and continue on a rolling basis. Children who automatically qualify will likely receive their benefits first, followed by households who are eligible by application. Families might get their Virginia SUN Bucks benefits at different times depending on when they apply.
 Q. How will I get my benefits?
 A. If your household participates in SNAP, your child(ren)'s Virginia SUN Bucks benefit will be loaded onto your existing SNAP EBT card. If your household does not participate in SNAP, the Virginia SUN Bucks benefit will be loaded onto a new SUN Bucks card that will be mailed to the address on file with your school or local department of social services. You can discard any SUN Bucks cards from previous years - 2026 benefits will be loaded onto new cards and mailed to you.
 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. How do I activate and PIN my card when I receive it in the mail?
 A. Your Virginia SUN Bucks card will come in the mail with step-by-step instructions that show you how to securely activate and PIN your SUN Bucks card. There are a couple ways to PIN your Virginia SUN Bucks card and manage your account benefits.

When you call the system to PIN your card, it asks you to:
  1. Enter the 16-digit Virginia SUN Bucks EBT card number located on the front of the card.
  2. Enter the date of birth of the oldest child.
  3. 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.
  4. Enter a four-digit pin number (four numbers you will remember), but don't use easy to guess combinations like 1111, 2222, etc. Be sure to keep this PIN secret and do not share it with others. To protect your benefits, consider changing your PIN daily or weekly.
  • You also can activate your card using ConnectEBT. Visit www.ConnectEBT.com/vaebtclient, select Virginia EBT from the dropdown box and follow the instructions.
 Q. What can I do if I can't reach the EBT Call Center to activate or PIN my Virginia SUN Bucks card?
 A. If you are unable to reach the EBT Call Center to activate or PIN your card, you have an online option by registering on Connect EBT.

To register your Virginia SUN Bucks account with Connect EBT, follow these steps:
  1. Open the ConnectEBT app or go to www.connectebt.com.
  2. Click "First Time Login" or "Register Card."
  3. Enter your SUN Bucks card number (on the front of the card).
  4. When prompted for a Social Security number (SSN), enter 0000 (SEBT cards are not linked to individual SSNs.).
  5. Enter the date of birth of the oldest eligible child in the household (MM/DD/YYYY).
  6. Create a 4-digit PIN and complete registration.
Once you are registered, you are able to set your PIN quickly and securely, lock your card when not in use to prevent fraud, and check your balance and transaction history.
 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 shop for groceries. There are a few ways you can check your balance anytime:
  • Visit www.ConnectEBT.com/vaebtclient and select Virginia EBT from the dropdown box.
  • Download the ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone via the App Store or Play Store.
  • 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 to 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 follow the prompts to check your balance.
You also should lock your Virginia SUN Bucks card when not in use to help prevent benefits theft. Learn more about protecting your benefits from card scams.
 Q. What if I receive a Virginia SUN Bucks card and don't want the benefits?
 A. You do not have to use the card. The benefits will be removed from the card and returned to the USDA Food and 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. Call the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center right away at 866-513-1414 to report the mistake.
 Q. I lost my card. What should I do?
 A. To replace a lost card, call ConnectEBT customer service at 866-281-2448 to cancel the lost card and request a new one.
 Q. My benefits were stolen. Can I get replacement benefits?
 A. The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service and the Virginia Department of Social Services are not authorized to replace benefits stolen through card skimming, card cloning or similar fraudulent methods.
 Q. Does my SUN Bucks card have the same anti-theft features as a SNAP EBT card?
 A. Yes. You can find those anti-theft features here.
 Q. I thought my child was enrolled automatically, but I haven't received my card. What should I do?
 A. If you have not received your card by August 8, it could be because your child was not automatically eligible. However, if you think your child should have qualified for Virginia SUN Bucks and need to apply, please call the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414 (toll-free) Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. - 6 p.m. to check the status of your eligibility and benefits issuance. The last day to apply for benefits by phone is August 15. After that date, the call center will remain open through September 30, but only for inquiries about existing applications. All mailed Virginia SUN Bucks applications must be postmarked by August 30 and received by September 2.
 Q. I have multiple children. Will I get a card for each child?
 A. If your family receives SNAP benefits, all of your children's 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. How long do I have to use my SUN Bucks benefits?
 A. Once you receive your benefits, you have 122 days to use them. After 122 days, the benefits will be removed from your card. You'll receive a reminder 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. If you have not received your benefits by August 8, contact the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414 to check on the status of your application.
 Q. What if I'm supposed to get a Virginia SUN Bucks card without applying, but had a recent change in address?
 A. 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 by August 8. Note that cards mailed with an incorrect address cannot be forwarded to a new address by the post office, even if an address change is on file with them.
 Q. How do I update my address or date of birth?
 A. You can update it with your school first, then contact your local department of social services to have your address or date of birth updated.
 Q. How does Virginia 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.
  1. 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.
  2. Children who are eligible for this program because of their participation in TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on your family income limit, but do not receive SNAP benefits, will have benefits loaded onto a Virginia SUN Bucks card in the name and address of the parent or guardian on file in the qualifying program.
  3. Children who are eligible for the program because they applied for and receive free meals through the National School Lunch Program 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.
  4. 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 at their address provided with the application.
  5. Children in foster care will have a card sent to their guardian or social worker on file. If the card is lost, a replacement may be requested by visiting the local department of social services.
 Q. What if I receive a card with an incorrect name on it?
 A. The Virginia SUN Bucks card might be issued in the name of the parent or guardian listed in the child's school records or in their case file for other benefits. It could also be issued 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, call the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414 (toll-free) Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. - 6 p.m. by August 8 to discuss the issue.
 Q. How will children in foster care, unhoused students, or migrants get their SUN Bucks benefits?
 A. Children in foster care will get their Virginia SUN Bucks cards at their current foster family's address. For questions about the child, address, placement, etc., contact the local department of social services. For children who are unhoused or migrants who automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks, 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 department of social services office for pickup if no address is known.

If you are submitting a Virginia SUN Bucks application and are unhoused or a migrant, use the address where you receive your mail or the address of your local department of social services.

Additional Questions

 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.

Community Partners

 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 help them complete the application. The parent or legal guardian from within the household must also sign the application or attest to the accuracy of all information when applying by phone.

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, meaning 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. Hearing procedures will provide an opportunity for families to appeal an eligibility determination made by VDSS.

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 within four months of your application:

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 .
 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. You should also include what you are appealing and why you believe the denial determination is in error. Do not include dates of birth and Social Security numbers in emailed inquiries, unless the email is encrypted.
 Q. What takes place in the Virginia SUN Bucks appeal and fair hearing process?
 A.
  1. 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.
  2. 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 cross-examine any opposing witnesses.
The hearing official's decision will be based on the verbal evidence and documents presented at the hearing and made a part of the hearing record.
 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.
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