SNAP coupons: who will receive an extra $120 this summer
Some families with children may receive an additional $120 in their SNAP benefits: we tell you who qualifies
Thousands of families in the United States could receive extra money to buy food during the summer and they don't know it. Although the benefit would be delivered automatically, it is advisable to know who qualifies and which people must submit an application before the deadline established by the local government expires.
The new support corresponds to the federal SUN Bucks program, which has already delivered the first payments in several states, including California, and will continue to send money to help families with minors during school holidays.
Through this initiative, eligible households will receive $120 dollars for each child between the ages of 5 and 18 who meets the established requirements and belongs to a beneficiary family of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), popularly known as food stamps.
The money will not be delivered in a single payment. Funds will be deposited in three installments of $40 during June, July and August. Those already receiving SNAP benefits will see the money reflected on their EBT card, while families not yet participating in the program will receive a white card with the corresponding balance in the mail.
Beneficiaries have 122 days from the issuance of the deposit to use the money. If the balance is not spent within that period, the resources will expire and cannot be recovered.
Another important aspect is that SUN Bucks do not replace or reduce regular SNAP benefits. The support was designed as a complement to help cover children's food expenses when schools remain closed and students stop receiving school meals.
Interested families should take into account that the deadline to request the benefit is August 20. After that day it will no longer be possible to access the support corresponding to this summer.
“By providing targeted support to families in communities with limited access to summer meal programs, we are helping to close a critical gap to ensure children receive the nutritional support they need during the summer months,” said Clarence Carter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Although the Sun Bucks program is nationwide with 39 participating states, requirements vary by location. For example, in New York the program is aimed at minors between 6 and 16 years old, while Tennessee manages the same age range as Louisiana, that is, from 5 to 18 years old.
In California, families with children ages 6 to 18 who receive CalFresh and CalWORKs qualify, while children ages 0 to 22 who do not receive these benefits must fill out their application.
The SNAP program aims to help low-income households purchase food using an electronic EBT card, which works similarly to a debit card. The amount each family receives depends on factors such as household income, other benefits they receive, and the number of members.
Benefits can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals and other authorized foods. On the other hand, it is not allowed to buy alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, hot ready-to-eat foods or kitchen utensils, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).