The California Department of Education (CDE) has released a revised CALPADS Flash #297 (June 12, 2025), providing essential updates for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) on the Summer 2025 SUN Bucks program. This version replaces the March 24 edition and includes key changes to eligibility and application requirements, data submissions, and verification rules.
Automatically eligible for SUN Bucks.
No application needed.
Includes students:
Receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (≤185% FPL),
Identified as foster, homeless, or migrant in CALPADS.
Must be enrolled in a school participating in a federal meals program.
Must have an approved:
UBA (Universal Benefits Application) or
NSLP application, or
Be directly certified through local matching or household extension.
| Application Date | School Year IEG | Eligible for 2025 SUN Bucks | 2026 SUN Bucks | LCFF Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before July 1, 2025 | 2024–25 | ✅ | ❌ | N/A |
| July 1–Sept 2, 2025 | 2025–26 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sept 3–Oct 31, 2025 | 2025–26 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nov 1–June 30, 2026 | 2025–26 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Data must be submitted to EDCS by the last business day of each month to be included in the next monthly benefit extract.
Submit non-streamline certified student data through the Supplemental SUN Bucks Collection (SSBC) to the EDCS.
Required fields include: SSID, school code, and the date of approved UBA/NSLP application or extended benefit.
UBA Verification: LEAs must verify 3% of UBAs in three separate pools over the summer (suggested: June 30, July 31, Aug 29).
Alternative Income Forms (AIFs) may no longer be used for SUN Bucks.
AIFs are still valid for LCFF UPC purposes but cannot substitute a UBA or NSLP application.
Identify eligible students and gather UBA/NSLP applications.
Submit SSBC files regularly to EDCS (first pull: June 30).
Conduct verification for 3% of UBA approvals.
Ensure student addresses are up-to-date to avoid benefit cards being mailed to district offices.
Update CALPADS records consistently, especially for foster, homeless, and migrant statuses.
UBA Template & SUN Bucks Guide: CDE SUN Bucks Page
Verification Guidance: SUN Bucks Factsheet (PDF)
Outreach Toolkit: USDA Toolkit
For LEA-specific questions, email: SummerEBT@cde.ca.gov
General public inquiries should go to: CDSS Helpline (877-328-9677)
SUN Bucks 2025 implementation is complex—but with early planning, clear data tracking, and timely submissions, LEAs can ensure eligible students receive critical summer benefits.
Learn more about how the MeasureED Team provides CALPADS Support by connecting with a CALPADS Consultant today!