[CA] CALPADS FLASH #282: Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT)

The California Department of Education (CDE) has released an update on the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT) program, also known as "Sun BUCKS." Here are the key takeaways:

General Information

• Program Overview: The S-EBT program provides critical food benefits to eligible students during the summer. This program is automatically managed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) using data from public assistance programs and the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
• No Separate Application: For summer 2024, no separate S-EBT application is required.

Benefit Issuance

• Eligibility:
  • Students eligible through public assistance programs or records in CALPADS by March 29, 2024, will receive benefits mid-June through August 31, 2024.
  • Newly identified eligible students from March 30, 2024, through August 31, 2024, will receive benefits between September and November 2024.
• Homeless Students: For homeless students without addresses in CALPADS, LEAs should ensure the address of a school or district office is used. These cards will be sent to the provided addresses during the summer months and should be distributed promptly by LEAs.

Action Items for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)

• Continual Data Updates: LEAs must continue updating CALPADS with free or reduced-price meal, migrant, or homeless records to ensure eligible students receive their benefits.
• Mail Monitoring: LEAs must check their mail during the summer to distribute S-EBT cards to students, especially homeless students.
• Ongoing Application Acceptance: LEAs should continue to accept National School Lunch Program (NSLP) applications and Alternative Income Forms throughout the school year and summer to identify eligible students for S-EBT benefits.

Resources and Contact Information

• Hotline for Households: Families can contact the CDSS Customer Service center at 1-877-328-9677 for household questions.
• Inquiries for LEAs: LEAs should send inquiries to SummerEBT@cde.ca.gov and not to CALPADS Support or the CALPADS email box.
• Webinars and Information:
  • Pandemic EBT Outcomes and Summer EBT Introduction: YouTube Video
  • SUN Bucks - A New Summer EBT Program Coming in 2024: YouTube Video

Conclusion

The 2024 S-EBT program aims to ensure that an estimated 5.2 million children in California receive necessary food benefits during the summer. LEAs play a crucial role in maintaining accurate data and ensuring the timely distribution of benefits to eligible students.

For additional information and updates, LEAs and families are encouraged to visit the CDSS Sun BUCKS web page and utilize the provided contact resources.

Click here to learn more about MeasureED's CALPADS Support services!