Do I need to apply for Summer EBT 2026?
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Probably not—most kids who qualify will be automatically approved for Summer EBT and do not need to apply.
The state will notify your family and then send out benefits. This automatic group includes children who either:
- Are school-aged and receive SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits (or Medicaid in some cases)
- Attend a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program (NSLP/SBP) and is approved for Free or Reduced-Price meals
- Are in foster care, in Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of a migrant family
If you're not sure if you need to apply or will get Summer EBT automatically, use this eligibility checker to find out.
Any families who are not automatically approved for Summer EBT and meet the income requirements will need to apply.
Get the latest on Summer EBT and track your balance with Propel
How to apply for Summer EBT 2026#how-to-apply-for-summer-ebt-2026
While some states have opened their Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) applications for 2026, others have not yet launched their application portals or finalized their application deadlines.
If your state hasn't opened applications, we recommend checking back frequently.
Alabama
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online and follow the instructions.
- Deadline: August 15
Arizona
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Complete the screener online and fill out the application if prompted, or mail in a paper application.
- Deadline: August 3
Arkansas
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online at access.arkansas.gov, or download the application and email it to SummerEBT@dhs.arkansas.gov, or drop off at your local DHS office.
- Deadline: August 31
California
- Application link: Contact your child's school for an application.
- Instructions: Submit an application through the school.
- Deadline: August 31
Colorado
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online through the PEAK website.
- Deadline: August 25
Connecticut
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
Delaware
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online or complete a paper application and return it to the Division of Social Services.
- Deadline: August 31
District of Columbia
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 23
Hawaii
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 2
Illinois
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 14
Iowa
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 14
Kansas
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply through the DCF's online self-service portal.
- Deadline: August 31
Kentucky
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
Louisiana
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 20
Maine
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online or mail, fax, or email a paper application.
- Deadline: August 15
Maryland
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 31
Massachusetts
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 31
Michigan
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online through the SOMPortal - MI Bridges.
- Deadline: August 31
Minnesota
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online with your EDIAM log-in.
- Deadline: August 31
Missouri
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Complete and return the MOSB-1 form to the Family Support Division online at mydssupload.mo.gov, by fax, or by mail.
- Deadline: August 31
Montana
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
Nebraska
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 12
Nevada
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
New Hampshire
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online at nheasy.nh.gov.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
New Jersey
- Application link: Applications are available online through your child’s school district website
- Instructions: Apply online through your school district website or contact your child's school for a paper application.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
New Mexico
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online and follow the instructions, or fill out a paper application.
- Deadline: August 22
New York
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: September 8
North Carolina
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 15
North Dakota
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 31
Ohio
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: August 14
Oregon
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply anytime with a paper application and email your application to summerebtinfo@odhs.oregon.gov or apply online.
- Deadline: September 1
Pennsylvania
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online or complete a paper application.
- Deadline: August 31
Rhode Island
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Apply online and follow the instructions, or fill out a paper application.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
Vermont
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Complete an online application, or call 1-888-354-0012 to request a paper application.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
Virginia
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Complete an online application or print and mail a paper application to the Virginia Department of Social Services.
- Deadline: August 31
Washington
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process or complete and mail a paper SUN Bucks application to: DSHS Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 11669, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
West Virginia
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Access the Summer EBT application at schoolcafe.com or pick up a paper application at any DoHS county office.
- Deadline: August 20
Wisconsin
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Follow the online application process.
- Deadline: Not yet announced
Wyoming
- Application link: Apply here
- Instructions: Not yet announced
- Deadline: Not yet announced
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
What happens after I apply for Summer EBT 2026?#what-happens-after-i-apply-for-summer-ebt-2026
After you apply for Summer EBT, you should receive a response about your eligibility. Assuming you qualify, you should expect your Summer EBT deposit to arrive sometime between May and July, depending on your state.
Some states send out Summer EBT deposits to regular SNAP EBT cards, while some send out specific Summer EBT cards.
No matter which version you get, the rules are the same, you can spend your Summer EBT benefits on any SNAP-eligible groceries.
Checking your Summer EBT balance is also easy—you can download the Propel app and link your Summer EBT card or regular EBT card to stay on top of when your deposit arrives, track any transactions, and see how much is remaining.
