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The SUN Bucks 2026 application period is open! SUN Bucks helps families cover grocery costs during the summer. Eligible children may receive a one-time $120 payment to help with food expenses.
Some children will be enrolled in SUN Bucks automatically. Families in this group should receive a confirmation letter soon. If you do not receive an enrollment letter in the next few weeks and believe your child is eligible based on the guidelines, you will need to submit an application.
All applications for summer 2026 are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 31, 2026.
Distribution of SUN Bucks is expected to begin this summer. We will share updates as more information becomes available.
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As cooler temperatures linger, qualifying Kansans can still apply for help with energy costs through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The program provides a one-time annual benefit to help eligible Kansas households pay a portion of their home heating costs, including electricity, propane, gas and other home heating fuels. The benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy provider.
If you qualify, apply soon so you do not miss this year’s deadline. Applications must be received by DCF by 5 p.m. March 31, 2026.
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A new page on DCF’s website is designed for you! It features resources to help Kansans connect with a wide range of support programs for families and individuals.
Key information about services include:
- Help applying for basic needs
- Family services
- Support for older adults and people with disabilities
- Child Support Services program
Both the web page and printable PDF flyer provides a summary of available resources, important contacts, eligibility requirements, and steps to get help.
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The Kansas Legislature reached its halfway point on Feb. 20, known as Turnaround. This key deadline determines which bills continue to advance this session. Bills sent to certain exempt committees can still be considered after the deadline.
Throughout February, DCF leadership took part in committee hearings and presented testimony on several important bills and key topics, including:
- Budget reporting and fiscal updates
- Juvenile Crisis Intervention Center reforms
- Expanding legal protections for child welfare agencies
- Data matching and eligibility verification for public assistance
- Fraud prevention in assistance programs
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver and nutrition policy
- Child welfare reforms, including foster care and children’s rights
- School placement and records for children in DCF custody
bills that could impact DCF programs and services are moving forward, including:
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HB 2491: Quarterly reports on noncitizens receiving public benefits
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HB 2591: Reporting of financial exploitation of adults by credit unions
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HB 2589: Prohibiting anonymous child abuse or neglect reports
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HB 2639: Renaming and changing Juvenile Crisis Centers to Stabilization Centers
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HB 2320: School enrollment and transportation for children in DCF custody
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SB 408: Clarifying age-appropriate activities do not equate to a child in need of care
Check the Kansas Legislature’s website for more information on these bills, and more.
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Benefits theft is on the rise in Kansas, with over $60,000 recently stolen from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards using skimming devices. Thieves attach fake card readers to steal card information and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), and then use those to steal benefits through fraudulent transactions.
Be proactive and take steps to protect your benefits now. Stolen benefits cannot be reimbursed.
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Valentine’s Day may be over, but romance scams can happen at any time. Bad actors target vulnerable adults and pose as romantic partners on social media using dating sites or online platforms. These fake personas are often identified as “catfish."
Learn more about how to identify and avoid being a victim of online romance scams. Read this article from AARP for more in-depth information.
Financial exploitation should always be reported to the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.
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The Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities Services offers free certification for parents with lived experience.
If you’ve raised a child with significant emotional or behavioral health needs, you can use your experience to help other Kansas families as a Certified Parent Peer Support Specialist (KCPPS).
What is Parent Peer Support?
Parent Peer Support Specialists are parents and caregivers who use their own experience to coach and guide families through behavioral health, school and community systems. They provide practical support, connect families to resources, and build advocacy skills.
Parent peer support builds trust, reduces isolation and helps families feel understood, leading to better engagement and outcomes.
Who can become certified?
Open to Kansas parents and caregivers with experience raising children with serious emotional disturbance or substance use disorder.
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Paid practicums for undergraduate and graduate students provide hands-on experience and cross-training in social work and public service.
Student practicums may include:
- Direct client contact
- Engagement, interviewing and assessment skills
- Shadowing opportunities
- Ethical decision making
- Professional documentation
- Evidence-based practices
- Understanding policy and practices
- Learning about available resources
Learn alongside DCF professionals in Child Protection Services, Adult Protection Services, Independent Living and other program areas.
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A career with DCF is an opportunity to thrive personally and professionally while supporting Kansans. We are looking for caring and compassionate people ready to make a difference in their communities. Explore open positions now and learn more about how you could work, believe and thrive with us!
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Service center closure announcements
Sometimes DCF must close service center locations due to winter weather to protect the safety of DCF employees and those we serve. Closures also occur on Kansas State Government recognized holidays and when statewide closures affect our service locations.
We post the latest updates about service center locations on DCF's social media pages whenever possible.
Stay informed: Subscribe to all DCF social media accounts and access the latest news releases on DCF’s Newsroom page.
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Report abuse or neglect
The Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) is always open. Contact the KPRC at 1-800-922-5330 to report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult.
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DCF's mission is to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. |
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