Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
A summer grocery benefit of about $40 per child per month for kids who get free or reduced-price school meals.
Summer EBT, also called SUN Bucks, is a federal grocery benefit that helps families with children who get free or reduced-price school meals buy food during the summer when school is out. Eligible families typically get $40 per eligible child per summer month — about $120 per child for the summer — loaded onto an EBT card or to their existing SNAP EBT card. Children are usually automatically enrolled if they participate in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid (in some states), or are directly certified for free school meals through their school. Families whose children attend schools in the National School Lunch Program but who are not auto-enrolled can apply through their state agency. SUN Bucks can be used at SNAP-authorized retailers to buy the same foods SNAP allows. The program is permanent (not temporary like the COVID-era Pandemic EBT) and started nationwide in summer 2024, though some states have not yet opted in.
In real life
- A family with three school-age kids gets about $360 in SUN Bucks loaded to their EBT card for the summer.
- A child enrolled in SNAP is automatically enrolled in Summer EBT.
- A school-age child who is directly certified through Medicaid in a participating state is auto-enrolled.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
How much is the benefit?+
About $40 per eligible child per summer month — $120 total in most states.
Do I need to apply?+
Most kids are auto-enrolled through SNAP, TANF, Medicaid (in some states), or direct school certification. Otherwise apply through your state agency.
What can I buy?+
The same foods SNAP allows — most groceries, but not hot prepared foods, alcohol, or non-food items.
Is every state in?+
Most are, but a handful have not opted in yet. Check your state agency.
Source: fns.usda.gov