Summer 2024 Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)

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  • Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has applied to administer the Summer 2024 Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer-EBT or "Sun Bucks"). Students meeting the eligibility requirements will receive a one-time payment of $120. Benefit cards will be mailed to eligible children at the address provided by the school beginning in early July. Once mailed, it may take a few weeks to reach your address. Once Sun Bucks benefits have been issued, households will receive a letter from DES. 

    Alhambra Elementary School District has already submitted the list of eligible students to Arizona Department of Education.

    Please note, Sun Bucks benefits are available for four months. SUN Bucks benefits expire/expunge 122 days from the date the benefits are made available on your SUN Bucks card. Federal regulations do not allow benefits to be replaced after they have been expired/expunged. 

    For additional "Sun Bucks" information, please call the Sun Bucks hotline at 833-648-4406 or visit https://www.azed.gov/SUNBucks

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What is SUN Bucks? SUN Bucks, formally known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT) Program, provides funds for families to buy food to replace meals normally eaten at school or child care settings. 

    Who is Eligible for Sun Bucks? Children enrolled in Alhambra Elementary School District are eligible for Sun Bucks if they: 

    1. Were enrolled in an Alhambra school for at least one instructional school day between July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 AND
    2. Were eligible for free/reduced priced meals via an Alternate Income Form, Meal Application, or from being directly certified from participation in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Foster, Head Start, etc. 

    Where can I use SUN Bucks? SUN Bucks is accepted anywhere SNAP is accepted, including grocery stores, corner stores, farmer’s markets, and online retailers. See more: http://bit.ly/SNAPonlineAZ. Please note, Sun Bucks benefits are available for four months. SUN Bucks benefits expire/expunge 122 days from the date the benefits are made available on your SUN Bucks card. Federal regulations do not allow benefits to be replaced after they have been expired/expunged. 

    Will receiving SUN Bucks impact my immigration status? SUN Bucks does NOT impact your immigration status or your child’s. The public charge rules does NOT apply to SUN Bucks benefits. 

    Will I be able to receive SUN Bucks and participate in Summer Meals? Yes! Participating in SUN Bucks does not impact your ability to participate in Summer Meals programs as well. We encourage families to utilize both programs if they are eligible. 

    How will I get SUN Bucks? Benefit cards will be mailed to eligible children at the address provided by the school beginning in early July. Once mailed, it may take a few weeks to reach your address. Once Sun Bucks benefits have been i ssued, households will receive a letter from DES. 

    How to I check my Sun Bucks card balance? To check your Sun Bucks card balance, change your PIN, or to request a replacement card, call the Sun Bucks DES number at 1-888-997-9333. 

    How do I set up my PIN for the Sun Bucks card? To set up the PIN for your EBT card call 1-888-997-9333. You will need the 16-digit card number you received, the date of birth of the person named on the card, and the 8-digit case number on the letter from DES. 

    What should I do if I suspect my benefits were used fraudulently or stolen? Federal regulations do not allow for the replacement of stolen SUN Bucks benefits. If you have lost your card, or your card has been stolen, call 1-888-997-9333 (TTY: 1-800-367-8939) IMMEDIATELY and don’t hang up until they have deactivated your card.

    Are there any resources available with information about using my Arizona EBT Card? For more information about using your Arizona EBT Card, please view DES' How to Use Your Arizona EBT Card brochure (English) (Spanish). 

    Who do I call with additional questions? The Sun Bucks hotline is 833-648-4406. If you have questions about your child's eligibility status, the address where your card was mailed, or the date of birth listed for your child, you may contact the Alhambra Child Nutrition Department at 602-336-2989.