1. (1) The amount of sun bucks each eligible child will receive is $120 for the summer of 2025 and may be adjusted annually for inflation.

2. (2) Sun bucks benefits are deposited into an account accessible with a designated sun bucks card. Each sun bucks card is:

   1. (a) Linked to a sun bucks account for each eligible child; and

   2. (b) Mailed to the last known address as reported by the parent or caregiver to:

      1. (i) The child's school if streamline certified via individual eligibility for free or reduced-price meals at an NSLP/SBP school;
      2. (ii) The department if streamline certified via categorical eligibility; or
      3. (iii) The address reported by a parent or caregiver via a sun bucks application, CNEEB, or an address update to the department.
   3. (c) It is the parent's or caregiver's responsibility to accurately and timely report any address changes to the child's school and to the department. The department or school is not responsible for the expungement of benefits due to unreceived sun bucks notices or cards sent through the mail.

3. (3) To use a sun bucks account:

   1. (a) The sun bucks EBT card can be used by the eligible child or responsible household member, such as a parent or caregiver on behalf of the eligible child, to purchase eligible food items.
   2. (b) A personal identification number (PIN) must be created to use the sun bucks card. Families are responsible for keeping the sun bucks card and PIN of an eligible child in a safe and secure place.
   3. (c) Sun bucks benefits are only accessed from the sun bucks card and cannot be transferred to a bank account or issued as a check.

4. (4) The purpose of sun bucks benefits is to help low-income families have a more nutritious diet by providing food benefits to eligible children during the summer months between academic school years.

   1. (a) Any remaining sun bucks benefits not used within 122 days from the date of deposit into each eligible child's account are expunged.
   2. (b) Sun bucks benefits cannot be replaced if they are expunged, lost, or stolen due to fraudulent activity or use.
   3. (c) Sun bucks benefits may be used to buy food items under WAC 388-412-0046 (2)(c) for an eligible child from a food retailer authorized to accept supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
   4. (d) Intentional misuse of sun bucks benefits may be subject to fines or legal action including criminal prosecution.
5. (5) Households must request a hearing within 90 days of the end of the summer operational period when disagreeing with a decision made by the department.

6. (6) The department will restore lost benefits if the loss was caused by an administrative error, no more than 12 months prior to either:

   1. (i) The date the department receives a request for restoration from the household; or
   2. (ii) The date the department is notified or discovers the loss.
7. (7) Households may be subject to overpayments if dual participation is identified.
8. (8) Continuance of the program is contingent upon annual approval of federal and state funds specifically for the sun bucks program. The department may discontinue the program when funding is no longer available.

[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 388-487-0030, filed 12/16/25, effective 1/16/26; WSR 24-23-099, s 388-487-0030, filed 11/20/24, effective 12/21/24.]