SUN Bucks 2026: Summer Food Benefits for Eligible Families

The SUN Bucks program—officially known as Summer EBT—is a federal initiative designed to help families buy groceries during the summer break.

During the school year, many children rely on free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches. When schools close for the summer, families face higher grocery bills. SUN Bucks helps bridge that gap by providing extra food assistance.

The program is managed nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and run locally by participating states, U.S. territories, and Tribal organizations.

How Much Assistance Do Families Receive?

• Standard Benefit: Most eligible school-age children receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer.
• Higher Rates in Specific Areas: Families living in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories may receive a higher amount to account for local food costs.

How Are Benefits Delivered and Used?

• Benefits are added directly to an EBT card (an Electronic Benefit Transfer card, which works like a debit card).
• Depending on the state, funds may be added to an existing SNAP or EBT card, or a new card will be mailed to the family's home.
• What You Can Buy: Grocery items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• What You Cannot Buy: Hot/prepared meals, non-food household items, pet food, alcohol, or tobacco products.

Who Qualifies for SUN Bucks?

1. Automatic Approval

Many families do not need to fill out an application. Children usually qualify automatically if they are already enrolled in state assistance programs such as:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / Food Stamps)
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• Medicaid (in qualifying income brackets across participating states)
• Schools certified for free or reduced-price school meals

2. Application Required

Families who meet income requirements but do not participate in any of the automatic qualifying programs must submit an application. When applying, households generally need to provide:

• Total household income
• Number of people living in the household
• Proof of child enrollment at an eligible school
• Current mailing address and contact details

Key Rules & Next Steps for Families

• Check State Deadlines: Application rules, submission options (online or paper forms), and deadlines vary by state. Late applications may cause families to forfeit summer benefits.
• Update Your Address: Make sure your school district and local benefits office have your current address on file so EBT cards and notifications reach you promptly.
• Benefits Expire: Unused funds expire 122 days after they are deposited onto the card, so families should use them promptly once received.
• Extra Help Available: SUN Bucks does not replace other support programs; children can still participate in local community summer meal sites or existing SNAP benefits.