This summer, millions of Americans are benefiting from two essential food assistance programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and SUN Bucks. While both are valuable resources to help reduce food insecurity, it’s important to understand how to manage them effectively.
One common question is whether it’s a good idea to save SUN Bucks for future use. However, the expiration rules for SUN Bucks differ significantly from those for SNAP benefits, making it crucial to use SUN Bucks promptly.
SNAP Benefits Expiration
The USDA allows SNAP benefits to roll over from month to month if they are not used. This flexibility ensures that if you don’t need to use your SNAP benefits immediately, you won’t lose them the following month.
However, if you don’t use your SNAP benefits for nine consecutive months, they will expire and be permanently removed from your account. It’s essential to regularly use your benefits to avoid losing them, especially as the expiration period nears.
SUN Bucks
Unlike SNAP benefits, SUN Bucks have a much shorter expiration period. For example, in California, the Department of Social Services advises that SUN Bucks expire within 122 days. This means that once you receive SUN Bucks, you need to plan to use them quickly to avoid losing them. Any unused funds on your SUN Bucks card after 122 days will be expunged and cannot be restored or replaced.
SUN Bucks Expiration
To put this into perspective, imagine you receive $120 on your SUN Bucks card on August 14th. You would have 122 days, until early December, to use the full amount. If you fail to use all of the funds within this timeframe, the remaining balance will be permanently removed from your account. Unlike SNAP benefits, which give you nine months before expiring, SUN Bucks provide a significantly shorter window for usage.
SUN Bucks Balance
Given the strict expiration rules for SUN Bucks, it’s vital to monitor your balance and plan your spending carefully. Fortunately, checking your balance is easy. Here’s how you can do it:
State-Specific Websites
If you live in California, you can check your SUN Bucks card balance by visiting the California EBT website. This site allows you to view your balance, review past transactions, and manage your account.
EBT EDGE Portal
For those living in other states, you can visit the EBT EDGE portal. This portal offers similar services, including balance checks, transaction reviews, and card replacement options. Keeping track of your balance regularly will help ensure that you use your SUN Bucks before they expire.
Why SUN Bucks Should Be Used
Because SUN Bucks have a shorter expiration period, it’s wise to use them before your SNAP benefits. Losing money from expired SUN Bucks is preventable if you prioritize spending them within the 122-day window. On the other hand, your SNAP benefits offer more flexibility, with a nine-month window before expiration. By managing these resources effectively, you can maximize the support provided by these programs.
SNAP benefits and SUN Bucks are invaluable tools in the fight against food insecurity, but they come with different rules and expiration periods. While SNAP benefits can roll over for several months, SUN Bucks must be used within a shorter timeframe to avoid expungement.
Keeping track of your balance and prioritizing the use of SUN Bucks before SNAP benefits can help you make the most of these resources. Regularly checking your card balance and staying informed about expiration dates are crucial steps to ensure you don’t lose any benefits.
FAQs
How long do SUN Bucks last?
SUN Bucks expire 122 days after they are issued.
Can I carry over SNAP benefits to the next month?
Yes, unused SNAP benefits roll over to the next month but expire after nine months of inactivity.
How do I check my SUN Bucks balance?
Visit your state’s EBT website or the EBT EDGE portal to check your balance.
What happens if my SUN Bucks expire?
Expired SUN Bucks cannot be restored or replaced.
Should I use SUN Bucks before SNAP benefits?
Yes, SUN Bucks expire faster, so prioritize spending them first.
