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SUN Bucks is here! Starting Monday, June 22, families will have several tools to engage with the SUN Bucks program, including:
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Online enrollment checker: this online tool will allow parents and guardians to check the enrollment status of their child or children. Children already enrolled in SUN Bucks will receive a message confirming enrollment and that no application is needed.
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Online application: children not automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks may still be eligible, but will need to submit an application. There will be a link on our web page to an online application portal. Application eligibility criteria include:
- Household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL)*, AND
- Child is enrolled at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) for free and reduced meals.
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SUN Bucks Customer Service Center: a dedicated phone number for questions and assistance with SUN Bucks applications, benefits, and cards.
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SUN Bucks email: a dedicated email address for general questions about the program that are not specific to a particular child.
Watch for a special edition SUN Bucks newsletter on Monday, June 22
On June 22 we will share links to the enrollment checker and application portal, the number to call the Customer Service Center, and the SUN Bucks email address on our website, on Facebook and Instagram, and in a special edition of this newsletter. Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure the success and integrity of the SUN Bucks program.
What to Expect: Automatic Enrollment Notices Begin Arriving Next Week
Eligibility notices for children automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks will begin arriving next week. Eligibility notices will be sent either via email from sunbucks@dfs.wyo.gov, or by mail to the mailing address on file (if no email address is on file). Families can reply to the email or call the Customer Service Center to update their address or opt-out of the program. Participation is optional!
What to Expect: Applications
Children not automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks may still be eligible, but will need to submit an application. Application eligibility criteria include:
- Household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL)*, AND
- Child is enrolled at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced meals.
Families applying online will receive an email confirming the application was received and a second email with the eligibility determination. Families can also submit a paper application at their local DFS office. Under federal law, the Wyoming Department of Family Services has 15 days to process applications.
What to Expect: Benefits
Benefits for both automatic enrollments and applications will begin mailing in early July. Families will receive one SUN Bucks card per eligible child. Each SUN Bucks card will come pre-loaded with a $120 food benefit. The SUN Bucks card looks like this:
Families have 121 days from the day the card is mailed to use the food benefit. On day 122, any unused benefits will be removed from the card. For cards mailing in early July, unused benefits will not be removed until early November. SUN Bucks cards will be mailed weekly throughout the summer as applications are processed.
Remember!
MOST children will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Use the online enrollment checker to see if you need to apply. If your child is not automatically enrolled but otherwise meets the eligibility criteria, you should submit an application. SUN Bucks cards will begin mailing in early July.
*For information on the federal poverty level visit the website and chose the FAQ menu item: What are the income eligibility guidelines for applications?
What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is a federal program to support eligible school-aged children by providing grocery money for the summer months. Governor Mark Gordon directed the Wyoming Department of Family Services to begin program planning with an executive order on April 15. DFS has been working as fast as possible to set up the brand-new program.
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