1. (1) To be streamline certified for sun bucks benefits, a child must be:

   1. (a) School-aged and categorically eligible;

   2. (b) Enrolled in a school that participates in the NSLP/SBP; and

      1. (i) Attends a school that does not operate the CEP or provision 2 program and determined by the school to be individually eligible for free or reduced-price meals; or
      2. (ii) Attends a school that operates the CEP or provision 2 program and eligible for free or reduced-price meals using direct certification.

2. (2) For children who are not streamline certified, an adult household member must submit either a sun bucks application to the department or a CNEEB application to the child's school during the period of eligibility and the child must be:

   1. (a) Enrolled at a school that participates in the NSLP/SBP; and

   2. (b) A member of a household that meets income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price school meals.

      1. (i) Income eligibility guidelines change annually on July 1.
      2. (ii) The income eligibility guidelines in effect on the date of application are used to determine eligibility.
3. (3) Applications received after the end of the summer operational period will be considered for sun bucks in the following year.

4. (4) Applications for sun bucks will be selected at random for additional verification prior to approval.

   1. (a) The department will attempt direct verification prior to contacting a household.
   2. (b) If direct verification cannot be obtained, households will be notified in writing and required to provide the requested verification within 30 days from the date of request.
   3. (c) Verification must indicate eligibility for sun bucks at any time during the period of eligibility.
   4. (d) Failure to provide requested verification will result in a denial of a household's sun bucks application. If denied, households will be notified in writing and may reapply during the period of eligibility.
5. (5) If information on an application is questionable, verification may be requested and must be provided within 30 days of the date of application.
6. (6) Children approved for sun bucks receive a notice of approval describing their eligibility and other information related to the program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.120, and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 2617). WSR 26-01-114, s 388-487-0020, filed 12/16/25, effective 1/16/26; WSR 24-23-099, s 388-487-0020, filed 11/20/24, effective 12/21/24.]