Food Assistance › Guide
SUN Bucks 2026: Summer EBT Eligibility and How to Apply
SUN Bucks gives $120 in summer grocery benefits for each eligible school-age child in a participating state, Tribe, or territory. Many children get it on their own. Some families must apply.
The program is also called Summer EBT. It is not the old P-EBT program.
Is SUN Bucks offered where you live?
Not every state, Tribe, or territory takes part. Plans can also change from one summer to the next.
Use the USDA 2026 SUN Bucks map. Pick your location for its dates, phone number, and application steps. Do not use last year's social media post as your guide.
If SUN Bucks is not offered, children can still use SUN Meals at schools, parks, and other sites. Some rural areas also have meals to go.
Who may get SUN Bucks automatically?
Many school-age children are signed up on their own when the home gets SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or some other income-based help.
A child may also be signed up through a school meal record. This can happen when the school takes part in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program and the child's own record shows they get free or reduced-price meals.
Free meals for every student at a school do not always mean every child gets SUN Bucks on their own. Check your child's case.
Who may need to apply?
You may need to apply if your child is not on a program record that brings an automatic match. The home must meet the SUN Bucks income and other rules.
The form may ask for:
- Your child's name and birth date
- The child's school
- Your home address
- Family size and income
Use only the link from the USDA map or your state agency. Applying is free.
How do you get the money?
A participating agency may add the money to your SNAP card. It may send a new EBT card, or use another local method.
Do not throw away a plain card mailer until you check it. Keep your school and benefit addresses up to date.
Each location sets dates to use the benefit. Read the notice so the money does not expire before you shop.
What can SUN Bucks buy?
You can buy many of the same foods SNAP covers, such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy foods, bread, cereal, snacks, and drinks with no alcohol.
You cannot use it for hot food, pet food, cleaning goods, personal care items, or medicine.
Many grocery stores, farmers markets, small stores, and online sellers take it. The USDA SNAP store finder can help.
Can a child get SUN Bucks and summer meals?
Yes. SUN Bucks does not block free SUN Meals. A child can use both during summer.
Our school meals guide explains free and reduced-price meal records. You can also check SNAP food help if the home needs help all year.
What should you do if the benefit is missing?
Use the phone or site shown for your location on the USDA map. Ask if the child was enrolled on their own, if an application is needed, and where a card was sent.
Have the child's school name and case facts ready. Never give an EBT PIN to a caller or pay a fee to release the benefit.
Run your numbers. The free SNAP calculator shows what SNAP could be worth for a home like yours, plus where you land against the poverty line. Nothing you type is saved. All calculators →