2026 SUN Bucks UBA Verification

Schools that operate the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program under the Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 in a non-base year are required by California Education Code Section 49506.5 to collect Universal Benefits Applications (UBA) for the purpose of making SUN Bucks eligibility determinations, and federal regulations requires verification of these applications.

In 2026, Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are required to follow standard SUN Bucks verification procedures, which require three (3) percent of approved UBAs received between September 3, 2025 and April 1, 2026 be randomly selected for verification on April 1, 2026. Please note, this process is different from the rolling verification LEAs conducted in 2025.

Detailed 2026 SUN Bucks verification guidance can be found here:

Information and resources on the 2026 verification requirements can be found on the California Department of Education SUN Bucks under the Verification, Resources, and Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have questions, please contact SummerEBT@cde.ca.gov.

Questions: Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, April 07, 2026

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Related Content

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
Includes background, eligibility criteria, best practices, frequently asked questions (FAQ), resources, and contact information regarding SUN Bucks (Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer [EBT]).

Trending in Nutrition

Recently Posted in Nutrition

Final Rule: Fluid Milk Substitutions (added 30-Apr-2026)
This management bulletin provides regulatory updates regarding the allowability of accepting medical statements from registered dietitians (RD) as related to Fluid Milk Substitutions in School Nutrition Programs.
Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities (added 30-Apr-2026)
This management bulletin contains information on the requirements related to accommodating children with disabilities.
Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27 (added 24-Apr-2026)
Information related to Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs.
School Lunch Hero Day 2026 (added 24-Apr-2026)
School Lunch Hero Day presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and thank hardworking professionals who continue to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of students.
Food Smarts: Free Trainings (added 24-Apr-2026)
Food Smarts: Free Trainings- Food Smarts Facilitator Training Options for Non-Funded Partners happening in April through June.

Modifying the FNS Instruction 113-1 (added 24-Apr-2026)
On March 3, 2026, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) updated FNS Instruction 113-1 guidance.
Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27 (added 24-Apr-2026)
Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs.
Upload SUN Bucks Eligibility Records in EDCS (added 16-Apr-2026)
The Education Data Collection System is now open to upload SUN Bucks eligibility records for 2026.
Offer versus Serve Waiver in the SFSP (added 16-Apr-2026)
The USDA approved a waiver requested by the CDE for non-SFA SFSP operators to use the OVS meal service option on a case-by-case basis.
Summer Excess Heat and Poor Air Quality Waivers (added 16-Apr-2026)
The USDA approved two statewide waivers requested by the CDE for summer meal program operators in good standing to provide meals in a non-congregate setting due to excessive heat or poor air quality.