By 
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is a federal program that gives families grocery money during summer break to replace free and reduced-price school meals. In 2026, each eligible school-age child receives $120 to spend at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. Thirty-nine states, Washington D.C., and four overseas territories are participating. Here is everything you need to know.
How Much Is the SUN Bucks Benefit in 2026?
- Most states: $120 per eligible child (one-time payment)
- Hawaii: $189 per child
- U.S. territories: $180 per child
Some states issue the $120 as a single payment. Others issue it in three monthly installments of $40 (June, July, August). Benefits expire 122 days from the load date, so use them before they expire.
States Paying SUN Bucks in June 2026
Several states confirmed June as their payment start date:
- Alabama: Payments start being sent in June 2026
- California: First $40 installment in June, additional payments in July and August
- Connecticut: Expected late June
- Maine: Between June 1 and June 15
- Massachusetts: Expected early June
- Maryland: June, in $40 monthly installments like California
- New Mexico: June 15 for automatically eligible children
- New York: June
- Washington D.C.: June for auto-enrolled children
Most other states begin payments July through September. Pennsylvania is one of the last, starting mid-August. Check your state’s official benefits portal for exact dates.
Does My Child Qualify?
Your child likely qualifies if they are school-age (K-12) and at least one of the following is true:
- Your household receives SNAP (food stamps)
- Your household receives TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Your child receives Medicaid in a participating state
- Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and meets income requirements
- Your child is homeless, a migrant, a runaway, or in foster care
Most eligible families are automatically enrolled. You do not need to apply. Benefits are loaded onto your existing SNAP EBT card or a new Summer EBT card mailed to your address on file.
If your child is not automatically enrolled, you may need to apply through your state’s Summer EBT portal before your state’s deadline. Deadlines range from August 2 to September 8, 2026 depending on the state.
Which States Are NOT Participating in 2026
Utah participated in 2025 but opted out for 2026. A small number of states are not participating. Families in non-participating states can still access free meals through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Find a free meal site near you at summerfoods.usda.gov.
How SUN Bucks Affects Other Benefits
SUN Bucks does NOT count as income. It does not reduce your SNAP benefits. It does not affect public charge determinations for immigration purposes. It is completely separate from your regular SNAP benefits and does not interfere with any other assistance programs.
What You Can Buy With SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks works like a regular EBT card. You can use it at:
- Most major grocery stores (Walmart, Kroger, Target, Aldi, etc.)
- Farmers markets that accept EBT
- Some online retailers (Amazon Fresh and Walmart Grocery in most states)
You cannot use SUN Bucks for: hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, household supplies, or non-food items.
What to Do If Your Card Does Not Arrive
If your child is automatically eligible and you have not received a card or deposit by your state’s expected date, first check that your address is up to date with your SNAP office and your child’s school. An outdated address is the most common reason for delayed or missing benefits. Contact your state’s SNAP office directly if the card does not arrive within 2 weeks of the state’s announced start date.
Sources: Newsweek SUN Bucks June 2026 state list; Propel Summer EBT 2026 guide; New Mexico HCA SUN Bucks page; USDA Summer EBT program guidance. State-specific dates and rules vary. Check your state’s official benefits portal for the most current information. This article is for informational purposes only.
