Last Updated: May 2026
SUN Bucks 2026 is a federal grocery benefit that gives families $120 per eligible school-age child to buy food over the summer. When school is out, so are school meals — this program fills that gap.
Now in its third year, SUN Bucks is expected to help roughly 21 million children across the United States this summer.
Benefits are being issued from May through September 2026 depending on your state. Most families do not need to apply — many children are enrolled automatically.
But if your child doesn’t qualify through another program, you may need to apply directly.
This guide covers everything you need: eligibility rules, deposit dates by state, how benefits are delivered, and what you can buy.
Page Contents
- 1 Quick Summary
- 2 What Is SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)?
- 3 How Much Is the SUN Bucks Benefit in 2026?
- 4 Who Qualifies for SUN Bucks 2026?
- 5 Do You Need to Apply?
- 6 Which States Are Participating in SUN Bucks 2026?
- 7 SUN Bucks 2026 Deposit Dates by State
- 8 How Will You Receive Your SUN Bucks Benefits?
- 9 What Can You Buy With SUN Bucks?
- 10 Key SUN Bucks Updates for 2026
- 11 How to Apply for SUN Bucks 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 12.1 1. When will my SUN Bucks 2026 benefits be deposited?
- 12.2 2. How much is SUN Bucks per child in 2026?
- 12.3 3. I already get SNAP. Do I need to apply for SUN Bucks?
- 12.4 4. My state isn’t participating. Can I still get summer food help?
- 12.5 5. Will SUN Bucks affect my immigration status or other benefits?
- 12.6 6. What if I never received my SUN Bucks card?
- 13 Official Sources and Further Reading
- 14 What to Do Next
Quick Summary
- Benefit amount: $120 per eligible child (one-time lump sum)
- Hawaii: $189 per child | U.S. Territories: $180 per child
- Who qualifies: Children ages 5–18 in families receiving SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, free/reduced school meals, and more
- Do you need to apply? Most families do not — enrollment is often automatic
- Benefit window: May–September 2026 depending on your state
- 37+ states, DC, all 5 territories, and select tribal nations are participating
- Benefits do not affect your SNAP, immigration status, or other benefits
What Is SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)?
SUN Bucks is the federal Summer EBT program. It was made permanent law under Public Law 117-328, Section 502, starting in 2024. Before that, it ran as a temporary pilot program.
The goal is simple: replace the school meals kids lose access to during summer break. Families use the benefit like a grocery card to buy food at most major retailers.
The program is run by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Each state, territory, and participating tribal nation operates its own version under federal guidelines.
Official resource: USDA FNS Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
How Much Is the SUN Bucks Benefit in 2026?
Families receive a one-time lump sum — not monthly payments. The amount is:
| Location | Benefit Per Child |
|---|---|
| Most U.S. states | $120 |
| Hawaii | $189 |
| U.S. Territories | $180 |
How the amount adds up by family size:
| Number of Eligible Children | Total Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $120 |
| 2 children | $240 |
| 3 children | $360 |
| 4 children | $480 |
| Each additional child | +$120 |
Important: Benefits expire 122 days from the date they are loaded. Spend them before that deadline.
Who Qualifies for SUN Bucks 2026?
Your child qualifies if any one of the following is true:
- Your household already receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid (in states that expanded Medicaid — about 39 states)
- Your child is approved for free or reduced-price school meals (income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level)
- Your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school — all students at CEP schools qualify automatically
- Your child is identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care
What is the income limit for SUN Bucks?
The income cutoff for families applying directly is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
| Household Size | Approximate Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 people | ~$36,734 |
| 3 people | ~$46,338 |
| 4 people | ~$55,942 |
| Each additional person | +$9,604 |
These figures are approximate. Your state agency has the exact 2026 thresholds.
Do You Need to Apply?
Most families do not need to apply. If your household already gets SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or your child already receives free or reduced-price school meals, your child will likely be enrolled automatically.
You MAY need to apply if your child:
- Is homeschooled
- Attends a charter school or private school that doesn’t participate in the federal lunch program
- Does not receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF
- Does not have approved free or reduced-price school meals on file
If you’re unsure, check with your state’s SUN Bucks agency or your child’s school.
Find your state’s application: Propel Summer EBT State Links
Which States Are Participating in SUN Bucks 2026?
37+ states, Washington D.C., all 5 U.S. territories, and select tribal nations are participating in 2026. Iowa is a new participant this year.
States NOT participating in Summer EBT 2026:
Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Note: Utah participated in 2025 but opted out for 2026.
Participating Tribal Nations (in non-participating Oklahoma):
Even though Oklahoma opted out, the following tribal nations are participating independently:
- Cherokee Nation
- Chickasaw Nation
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Muscogee (Creek) Nation
- Otoe-Missouria Tribe
Benefits are available to all eligible children on tribal lands, regardless of tribal membership.
SUN Bucks 2026 Deposit Dates by State
States are issuing benefits between May and September 2026. Dates vary. Check your state’s official agency for the most current information.
| State | Expected Deposit Start | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Mid-May 2026 | August 20, 2026 |
| North Dakota | May 1–15, 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
| West Virginia | May 2026 | TBD |
| Colorado | May 2026 | TBD |
| New Mexico | May 15, 2026 | August 22, 2026 |
| California | May/June 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
| Minnesota | May/June 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
| Oregon | June 4, 2026 | September 1, 2026 |
| Maine | June 15, 2026 | August 15, 2026 |
| Washington D.C. | June 11, 2026 | TBD |
| New York | June 2026 | September 8, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | Mid-August 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
| Arizona | TBD | August 3, 2026 |
Tip: Your state’s portal or your child’s school district is the most reliable source for local dates.
How Will You Receive Your SUN Bucks Benefits?
Depending on your state, benefits are delivered one of three ways:
- Added directly to your existing SNAP EBT card — the most common method for SNAP households
- Loaded onto last year’s Summer EBT card — if you participated in 2024 or 2025
- A new SUN Bucks card mailed to your home address
What if I moved since last summer?
If you’ve changed addresses, update your information with:
- Your child’s school
- Your state SNAP or benefits office
Failing to update your address can result in your card going to the wrong location.
What Can You Buy With SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks follows the same purchase rules as SNAP. You can buy:
- Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Canned or dried beans, peanut butter, and spreads
- Non-alcoholic beverages
What you CANNOT buy:
- Hot prepared foods (like rotisserie chicken at checkout)
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Vitamins, supplements, or medicines
- Pet food
- Non-food household items (soap, paper products, etc.)
State-specific restrictions: As of early 2026, 22 states have received federal waivers that restrict certain SNAP-eligible items like candy or sugary drinks. SUN Bucks will follow those same state rules where applicable.
Key SUN Bucks Updates for 2026
Here’s what’s new or changed this year:
- Iowa joins for the first time in Summer EBT 2026
- Utah opted out after participating in 2025
- New USDA guidance has been issued for 2026 on monitoring benefits and preventing overpayments
- Benefits do not count as income and will not affect your SNAP allotment, immigration status, or any other public benefit
- Children can use SUN Bucks alongside the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which offers free hot meals at community sites — these are two separate, stackable programs
How to Apply for SUN Bucks 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Most families skip this — but if your child is NOT automatically enrolled, here’s how to apply:
- Find your state’s SUN Bucks program page. Start at fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks and click your state.
- Gather required information. You’ll typically need your child’s name, date of birth, school name, and household income.
- Complete the application online or by mail. Some states offer paper applications through schools or community offices.
- Submit before your state’s deadline. Deadlines range from mid-August to early September 2026 depending on the state.
- Watch for your card or EBT notification. If approved, you’ll receive a card by mail or a notification that your SNAP card has been loaded.
- Use your benefits before they expire. Benefits expire 122 days from the load date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will my SUN Bucks 2026 benefits be deposited?
It depends on your state. Most states are issuing benefits between May and September 2026. Louisiana and North Dakota begin in mid-May. New York, Oregon, and Maine begin in June. Pennsylvania issues benefits as late as mid-August. Check your state’s official benefits portal for exact dates.
2. How much is SUN Bucks per child in 2026?
Most families receive $120 per eligible child as a one-time payment. Families in Hawaii receive $189 per child. Families in U.S. territories receive $180 per child.
3. I already get SNAP. Do I need to apply for SUN Bucks?
In most states, no. SNAP households are automatically enrolled and benefits are usually loaded directly onto your existing EBT card. However, if your address has changed, update it with your SNAP office to ensure delivery.
4. My state isn’t participating. Can I still get summer food help?
Yes. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to children at community sites across all 50 states, including states that opted out of Summer EBT. Visit summerfoods.usda.gov to find a meal site near you.
5. Will SUN Bucks affect my immigration status or other benefits?
No. SUN Bucks benefits do not count as income, do not reduce your SNAP benefits, and are not considered in public charge determinations. They are completely separate from other federal programs.
6. What if I never received my SUN Bucks card?
First, check that your address is current with your SNAP office and your child’s school. If it is correct and you still haven’t received a card, contact your state’s SUN Bucks or Summer EBT agency directly. Some states also allow you to check benefit status online through your EBT account portal.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- USDA FNS Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) — Official Program Page
- USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
- Related reading: How to Check Your EBT Card Balance and Transaction History
What to Do Next
If you think your child qualifies, don’t wait. Check your state’s deadline in the table above — some close as early as August 3, 2026. If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, your child is likely already enrolled. Just make sure your address is current.
Visit fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks to confirm your state’s participation and find a link to your local program. Every dollar counts when school’s out.
Last updated: May 2026. Program details are based on official USDA FNS guidance and state-reported timelines. Individual state rules may vary. Always verify current information with your state’s benefits agency.
