SELECT Americans have just hours left to claim an impactful cash grab.
The direct payment comes as part of a new benefits program that seeks to assist those in need this summer.
Some Americans can get payments of $177 soon (stock image)[/caption]
SUN Bucks Hawai’i, run through the state’s Department of Human Services, is an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) initiative that offers money to qualifying families with children.
The funds go towards food purchases parents have to make during the summer that their kids would’ve gotten at school for free.
Checks worth $177 will be sent out for each child, to be spent over the summer months.
Some households must apply for the SUN Bucks benefits, and an application deadline is approaching fast on August 3, 2025.
Those that have children attending a school operating with the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), where all meals are free to all students, must apply.
Additionally, households that have children who are attending a school operating with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) who were not approved for free or discounted meals during the school year but may now be eligible because of income limits must submit an application.
QUALIFY INSTANTLY
There are only four criteria that would make a child automatically eligible and not require an application, according to the FAQ page on the Hawai’i Department of Human Services website.
One way would be that the child resides in a household that is participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) between July 1, 2024, and August 3, 2025.
The child could also have been identified as a ward of the state (foster), or identified by their school as unhoused, a migrant, or a runaway.
Another way to instantly qualify for SUN Bucks would be for the child to have attended a school that offers NSLP, and the household where they reside already applied for and was approved for free or discounted school meals.
Lastly, there are exceptions that would allow the school-age requirement to apply to Head Start and/or pre-K students, so long as they attended a program that offered NSLP.
Those who automatically qualify or submit an application and are approved will get EBT debit cards in the mail to be used anywhere they are accepted.
This includes local farmers markets and most retailers.
Applications can be submitted through the Hawai’i Department of Human Services website or by calling 1-888-975-7328.
What are SNAP benefits?
Over 41 million people in America receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits each month.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income households to help people get groceries.
Recipients get money on a debit card that can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets.
The amount of money distributed depends on several factors including how much money you make, how much money you receive from other benefits, and how many people are in your household.
The electronic benefits can help people buy food including food and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snacks.
You can’t use SNAP to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot foods, or cooking utensils.
Source: USDA
According to data collected so far from the state agency, at least 80,000 children have already gotten benefits this year worth a combined $14 million.
OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT
Except, thousands more are likely eligible, according to a statement from First Lady Jaime Kanani Green at a recent news conference.
“In Hawai’i, we care for one another — we mālama our keiki, our kūpuna and our ‘ohana,” she said.
“SUN Bucks reflects those values. It’s about ensuring every child has what they need nutritionally to grow and thrive — not just during the school year, but all year long.”
“No child in Hawai’i should ever go hungry and this program helps us live up to that kuleana.”
This was further emphasized by Governor Josh Green, who also explained that small businesses would benefit as a side effect.
“Today is about something simple, but incredibly important — making sure our children have enough to eat,” Green noted.
“SUN Bucks is a reminder that when we invest in our keiki, we invest in the future of our state.”
“These benefits don’t just help families — they strengthen our local economy by putting dollars directly into our grocery stores, farmers markets and food systems,” he added.
Other states also have programs helping families in need this summer.
For example, the United Way Bay Area (UWBA) philanthropic organization is in the middle of a guaranteed income pilot, sending out distributions of $1,000 to eligible candidates.
Select single mothers are also getting $500 distributions as part of the Ohio Mothers Trust.
