Missouri SUN Bucks FAQs

Missouri SUN Bucks FAQs

General Questions

What is Missouri SuN Bucks?

Missouri SuN Bucks is a new program to help families buy food for their children (ages 7-17) during the summer months when school is not in session. Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per qualifying child loaded onto an EBT card. These funds can be used to buy nutritious foods at authorized locations.

Could receiving Missouri SuN Bucks affect immigration status?

No, receiving Missouri SuN Bucks does not affect you, your child or your family’s immigration status, and will not make you a public charge.

Could receiving Missouri SuN Bucks affect eligibility for other programs?

No, receiving Missouri SuN Bucks does not impact eligibility for other programs. You do not need to report Missouri SuN Bucks benefits as income for other benefits

Why did I get Missouri SuN Bucks benefits if I didn’t apply?

Some families will receive Missouri SuN Bucks benefits automatically, due to a child or family’s participation in another program that makes them automatically eligible for Missouri SuN Bucks, such as SNAP or Temporary Assistance, applied and approved for free or reduced-price meals during the school year, or a student considered by their school to be homeless, a migrant, or in foster care.

What if I get SNAP or Temporary Assistance and I need a new EBT card?

You may request a new card by:

  • Calling 800-997-7777
  • Using the ebtEDGE mobile application, or
  • Calling the FSD Information Center at 855-373-4636

Eligibility

Who is eligible for Missouri SuN Bucks?

Children may be automatically eligible for Missouri SuN Bucks and will NOT need to apply for the program if:

  1. The household already participates in SNAP or Temporary Assistance, or
  2. The child is age 7 through 17 and is in foster care, homeless, or a migrant, or
  3. The child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School breakfast Program, and your household income meets the requirements for Free or Reduced Price Meals.

If you believe your child is eligible you can check the Missouri SuN Bucks eligibility navigator to see if you need to apply. 

Do I need to apply for Missouri SuN Bucks?

If your child is automatically eligible for SuN Bucks, you do not need to apply. If you believe your child may be eligible, you can check the eligibility navigator to see if you should apply. 

Application Process

How do I apply for Missouri SuN Bucks?

Visit mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks and follow the steps below to apply by August 31, 2024.

  1. Registration
  2. Authentication
    • Visit https://app.healthytogether.co/login
    • Sign into your account using your phone number or email you used at registration.
    • You will get a One-Time Password (OTP) to your phone number or email
    • Enter the OTP into the system for verification

  3. Connecting your Benefit Record

    If you applied online, your account is already linked to your benefit record. There is nothing else you need to do.

    If your child is automatically eligible and you did not need to apply, or if you submitted a paper application, you will need to complete a one-time verification process after registering to connect your account to the benefit record:

    • Visit https://app.healthytogether.co/login
    • Enter your phone number or email address associated with your benefit notice.
    • You will get a One-Time Password (OTP) and enter it into the system for verification.
    • You will be asked to enter your date of birth and the last 4 of your Social Security Number. If successful, you will be connected to the account.
What information will I need to apply for Missouri SuN Bucks?

You will need to provide information about your child including their birth date, school, mailing address, and your household income. 

How do I check the status of my application?

To check the status of your application, you will need to create an account online. You will be able to log in to your account to see the details of your application.

Benefit Information

When will I get my Missouri SuN Bucks benefits?

When you get your benefit will depend on if your child was automatically eligible or if you had to apply.

My Child is automatically eligible: If your child is automatically eligible and you did not have to apply, their benefits will be issued as soon as possible. You will either get an EBT card in the mail, or if you already have one for SNAP or TA, your benefit will be added to it.

I submitted an application: If you submitted an application, please allow time for processing and eligibility review. If you qualify, you will receive an EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to use your benefit. If your application was denied, you will receive a letter with an explanation and information about your appeal rights.

How will I get my Missouri SuN Bucks benefits?

Missouri SuN Bucks benefits will be issued to an EBT card. If you receive SNAP or Temporary Assistance, your child's Missouri SuN Bucks benefits will be available on the same card. If you do not have an EBT card, a new EBT card will be mailed to the address provided with your Missouri SuN Bucks benefit on it. Your new EBT card will be used to issue any benefits you are eligible for in the future, so be sure to keep it in a safe place.

Do Missouri SuN Bucks expire?

Yes. Missouri SuN Bucks benefits expire and are removed 122 days from issuance. Missouri SuN Bucks are removed regardless of usage. Once benefits are removed from an EBT card, they cannot be replaced. Even though the benefits expire, you can keep your EBT card to receive Missouri SuN Bucks benefits faster next summer if you are eligible. 

If I have multiple children, will their benefit be on the same card or will they get separate cards?

If your children are in foster care, they will receive a card in their own name. All other children will receive benefits on their head of household's EBT card.

How much will my SuN Bucks benefit be?

Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for the summer.

How will I get my child's SuN Bucks benefit if I get direct deposit for Temporary Assistance?

If you do not already have an EBT card and you qualify for Missouri SuN Bucks, an EBT card will be issued to you for your benefit.

Will my EBT card work out of state?

Yes. Your EBT card will work at approved locations outside of Missouri.

Questions for Foster Parents

Will my foster child receive Missouri SuN Bucks?

Children who are in foster care and are ages 7-17, OR are enrolled in school (including Headstart and preschools) and participate in the free and reduced-price lunch program will automatically receive Missouri SuN Bucks. Foster children will only need to apply if they are NOT enrolled in the National School Lunch Program and are NOT between the ages of 7-17. 

Where will the card be sent if the child has recently changed placements?

Before issuing any benefits, the Family Support Division will work closely with the Children's Division to get the most up to date address information. An EBT card will be mailed to the child's most current placement address.

Who should be contacted if a SuN Bucks EBT card is not received?

Contact the Children's Division case worker if you believe you should have received your Missouri SuN Bucks EBT card.

If I have multiple foster children in my home, will their benefits be on the same card or will they get separate cards?

Each foster child will receive a card in their own name.

I received a card for a child who is no longer under my care. What should I do?

Please return the card to the Family Support Division at the address listed in the letter that came with the card.

Who should I contact with questions or concerns regarding the SuN Bucks program and my foster children?

If you have questions about the Missouri SuN Bucks benefit of a child in your care, please visit mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks for more information.

Do my foster children have to apply to receive the Missouri SuN Bucks benefit?

Foster children will only need to apply if they are NOT enrolled in the National School Lunch Program and are NOT between the ages of 7-17. 

Children who are in foster care and are ages 7-17, OR are enrolled in school (including Headstart and preschools) and participate in the free and reduced-price lunch program will automatically receive Missouri SuN Bucks.

Should I keep my card after I use my SuN Bucks benefits

Yes. Even though the benefits expire, you can keep your EBT card to receive Missouri SuN Bucks benefits faster next summer if you are eligible. If a child changes placements, they should take their card with them.