New York State has announced a “SUN Bucks” summer benefit, which would provide $120 in EBT benefits to each eligible child.
It is important to note that this program is only available for Monticello students whose family’s income is below the free/reduced lunch income guidelines. In the past, Monticello students had been eligible for similar programs, regardless of their family’s income, because of the district’s status as a CEP program. While the district is still a CEP program, the state changed its guidelines this year, and will only provide this benefit to families with incomes at or below the free/reduced lunch guidelines.
Students who already receive benefits such as TANF or SNAP are automatically eligible, and no action is needed to receive these benefits. According to the state, most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically.
Students whose family’s income is below the free/reduced lunch guidelines may need to apply for the benefit. Applications must be completed by Sept. 3, 2024.
For more information, to apply, or to speak to someone from the state, please visit the NYS summer EBT benefit webpage. Please note that this is not a district-run program and the district is unable to answer questions about the program; we are simply distributing this information as a public service.
Each year, the district asks families to complete an income proxy form, as part of its regular notifications in September. It is important that each family completes the form to help maximize the district’s funding potential.