[CA] CALPADS Update Flash #297 – SUN Bucks 2025

California is making major changes to how students qualify for Summer 2025 SUN Bucks benefits, shifting from the Alternative Income Form (AIF) to the federally compliant Universal Benefits Application (UBA) or NSLP applications. Here's what local educational agencies (LEAs) need to know and do.

Key Takeaways

🌞 Program Changes for Summer 2025

• California can no longer use the AIF to determine eligibility for SUN Bucks.

• A new Universal Benefits Application (UBA) is now required for certain students.

• UBA is not interchangeable with NSLP applications.

📌 Who Needs to Submit What?

• Do NOT need UBA:

  • Students directly certified (e.g., through CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal)

  • Students categorically eligible (migrant, homeless, foster)

  • Students in standard-count schools must submit NSLP, not UBA.

• DO need UBA:

  • Students in CEP or P2 (non-base year) schools not directly certified or categorically eligible.

📝 Required Submissions for Eligibility

• SUN Bucks eligibility is annual.

• Students must be enrolled in a federal meals program school between July 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025.

• UBAs or NSLP applications must be submitted by September 1, 2025.

• Records must be submitted to EDCS (not CALPADS) under the Supplemental SUN Bucks Collection (SSBC).

📅 Data Submission Timeline

• Monthly CALPADS pulls: March 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026

• Monthly EDCS pulls: July 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026

• Address data already pulled; missing addresses = cards sent to district office.

✅ Best Practices for LEAs

• Focus outreach on students who need UBAs:

  • Especially graduating seniors or incoming TK/K students.

• Modify Provision school practices to support 2026 eligibility early.

• Continue submitting CALPADS 181/182 codes for LCFF UPC purposes.

• Submit UBA/NSLP records as early as possible to avoid delays in benefit distribution.

📋 LEA Action Plan Summary

• Develop a UBA/NSLP collection plan based on school model.

• Target outreach to likely eligible students.

• Collect and upload data to EDCS on time.

• Keep program records current (FRPM, migrant, homeless).

• Plan benefit card distribution for students without addresses on file.

For more details, visit CDE’s SUN Bucks page.

Learn more about how the MeasureED Team provides CALPADS Support by connecting with a CALPADS Consultant today!