SUN Bucks (Summer EBT): What it is, Income Limits, Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Summer break does not mean a break from free and healthy meals. And that’s why the USDA started the Summer EBT program to provide free grocery benefits to kids. 

Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, offers $120 per eligible school child every year so they can enjoy nutritious food even when at home. You get $40 each month for June, July and August instead of receiving the amount at once. 

A recent survey reveals that almost 1.6 million low-income children got SUN Bucks in 2025. Many kids qualify automatically without submitting any application but others have to meet the state’s income limits. So stick by to see if you qualify or not and when you will get your Summer EBT benefits.

What are SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)? 

SUN Bucks is the nickname of the Summer EBT program. SUN stands for “Summer” and Bucks for “money” which means summer food money. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) operate this program on a national level.

The SUN Bucks benefits are transferred to your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. This EBT card works like a digital debit card to buy groceries only. You can purchase food only from EBT-approved stores and cannot withdraw cash at all. 

S-EBT was first begun in California in 2024 and nearly 4.3 million California children got benefits in its first year. This number increased to 6 million in 2025 and officials are expecting a rise even in 2026.

Jennifer Siebel said “No child should go hungry just because school is out.“ 

🚨 URGENT 2026 SUN BUCKS UPDATE (Check Your Phones!)

Participating states are officially sending out renewal texts for Summer EBT 2026. For example, North Carolina (NCDHHS) just sent this exact message to parents:

“NCDHHS | NC SUN Bucks: SUN Bucks returns for Summer 2026. If your child received SUN Bucks last year, please update your mailing address, email and phone number by March 31. New cards will be mailed again this year…”

SUNBucks (Summer EBT) Applications is OPEN for 2026 

Government announced SUNBucks for 2026 and you’ll receive an enrollment letter in mail at your address. Many students qualify automatically but you need to apply if your kid is eligible but is not getting benefits.  

The last date to submit an application for Summer EBT 2026 is Aug. 31, 2026 till 5 p.m. 

Visit website SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov to learn more about the application process.

Who Qualifies for Summer EBT 2026?

School going kids qualify for the Summer EBT 2026 but the definition of school is different for every state. However, your kid automatically gets SUN Bucks in two ways:

1. Children ages 6–18 years and already getting CalFresh, CalWORKs and Medi-Cal benefits. But children who get Medi-Cal because of:

• • SSI/SSP, or
  • The Adoption Assistance Program does not always qualify. 

It’s because their minimum household income exceeds the 180% of the federal poverty line. So they have to fill out the School Meal Application and Universal Benefit application to school to see if they stand any chance.

1.  Children ages 0–22 years who attend a school with meal programs such as:

• • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • School Breakfast Program (SBP) qualifies for S-EBT.

 Apart from this, kids who are eligible for free meals at school also get SUN Bucks.

Universal Meals Program in California

California University provides free meals to all students through the universal meals program (UMP). But they all do not qualify for S-EBT. 

Only some of them actually have income below the state limit so they have to submit a Universal benefit application. The officials check your household income, extra benefits and family size to see if you qualify.

Homeschooled Kids And Preschoolers

You are eligible to apply for the Summer EBT program even if you study online or receive other benefits. The SUN Bucks eligibility requirements differ for preschoolers in every state. Pre-schoolers often qualify if they go to NSLP school and meet the minimum income limits. 

Income Guidelines for Summer EBT Program

You must have a minimum gross income 185% of the poverty line to qualify for S-EBT. These limits are also used for free & reduced-price meals in schools. Compare it to the “Weekly” column If you get your salary weekly.

Gross Income Limits for SUN Bucks 2026

This gross income is effective from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.

These are the maximum income limits of all states except Alaska and Hawaii. You can check your state’s maximum gross income here. You just have to select your state name and number of family members. This website gives you estimated limits.

Which States Do Not Offer Summer EBT Benefits 2026?

Here are the states that have not participated in Sun Bucks program till 2026:

• Alaska
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wyoming
• Oklahoma (unless you are part of tribal nation)

Summer EBT is available in Iowa in 2026..

Oklahoma Tribal Nations Participating in Sub Bucks

Here are the five nations that provide Summer EBT benefits in Oklahoma:

1. Cherokee Nation
2. Chickasaw Nation
3. Choctaw Nation
4. Muscogee (Creek) Nation 
5. Otoe-Missouria Tribe

You can reach out to them via:

• Call: 918-235-4855
• Email: help@oksebt.org
• Website: https://oksebt.org/

You can check if your state provides an S-EBT program here. Just tap on the state name and FNS provides you the website, email and phone number of your state’s EBT office.

When Will Summer EBT Benefits Be Available?

The Summer EBT benefits are typically transferred in late May and early June or August.  Families usually have prepaid EBT cards and benefits are transferred to the same account. But this timing differs from state to state.

SUN Bucks Deposit Dates 2026 (Expected)

• May States: Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, and North Dakota 
• June States: California, Washington D.C., Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

You have to check your state’s website to know the exact date.

SUN Bucks Benefits

SUN Buck benefits support healthy eating only. So you can purchase:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Bread and cereals
  

You cannot use SUN Bucks for:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
• Hot prepared foods (like ready-to-eat restaurant meals, except some states allow certain approved meals)

For Free Food Benefits

What is the Limit and Duration of SUN Buck Benefits?

The Summer EBT  benefits have fixed $120 for 3 months. These benefits expire after 122 days if not used and cannot be refunded. 

How to Apply for Summer EBT 2026?

A lot of children qualify for S-EBT without any application automatically. But you can also apply even if your kid isn’t eligible for free meals at school. Make sure your income meets the state limit and read the instructions before filling the application.

Apply for SUN Bucks: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks

Choose your state and visit the website to fill out the form. You just have to fill it accurately as per the prompts.

How To Activate a Summer EBT Card​?

Here are the steps to activate your Summer EBT card:

1. Call the number at the back of your card.
2. Choose English by pressing 1
3. Select EBT services by pressing 1
4. Press 1 again to activate your card
5. Enter your 16-digit card number on the front of the card
6. Press 2 to activate the Summer EBT card.
7. Enter your child’s birth date (MM/DD/YYYY)
8. Confirm the birth date by pressing 1 if it’s correct
9. Choose a 4-digit PIN for the card:
10. Re-enter your PIN to confirm.
    

Now your card is activated and you can use it to buy food.

How Can I Replace a Lost or Stolen Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) Card?

An EBT card can be replaced when it’s stolen or you are changing your location. 

1. Call  833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) to request a replacement card if you are changing your address.
2. You can contact EBT Edge at 888-328-9271 (24 hours a day) to request a card if it was stolen. 

Summer EBT cards are not replaced through ConnectEBT like standard cards. You have to call or place your request on ebtEDGE.com.  

How to Check the Summer EBT Card Balance?

You can check your Summer EBT balance in four ways.

1. Website: Visit www.ebtEDGE.com and log in to the cardholder portal to view card balance.
2. Mobile App: You can also check your total S-EBT amount from the ebtEDGE and propel app.
3. Phone: Call the number on the back of the card. You have to enter the 19-digit card number and the date of birth of your child to know the balance.
4. Stores: Grocery stores provide you with a receipt when you buy food and this slip usually has a total balance.

Conclusion

The Summer EBT program offers prepaid benefits to eligible children so they can buy healthy food in summers. You don’t have to apply separately if you are already getting CalWORK and SNAP benefits. Because your kid is already qualified unless your income meets the state limits.

SUN Bucks are fixed for every household, unlike TANF. This program is not available in every state so make sure to check from the link mentioned above. The benefits are loaded in late May or early June so children can enjoy healthy food when out of school. 

FAQs

Is NJ Summer EBT a one-time payment?

Yes, you get a $120 fixed amount for three months every year in New Jersey.

How will you know if your Kid is qualified for S-EBT?

Summer EBT sends an approval letter to tell your kid has been qualified. You also get a SUN Buck card within days after the letter and it’s loaded in late May or early June.

What is the New Mexico Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program?

This program allows low-income Mexican children to receive grocery benefits each year.

How to Apply for SUN Bucks in PA?

You can apply for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) in PA via the website or by calling 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226.