How does a Summer EBT card work?
Summer EBT, also called SUN Bucks, is a program that helps families afford food for their kids when school is out each summer by sending out $120 per eligible child.
Just like with food stamps (SNAP), Summer EBT benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that you can swipe to pay for groceries at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and anywhere else that accepts Summer EBT benefits.
But the specifics of the card depend on where you live. States are using three different methods to deliver Summer EBT benefits for 2025: Summer EBT deposits on last year’s Summer EBT card, new Summer EBT cards for 2025, or deposits straight to your regular SNAP EBT card.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
How will I get my Summer EBT benefits?#how-will-i-get-my-summer-ebt-benefits
There are three different ways you might get your Summer EBT deposit, depending on your state.
1. A new Summer EBT card in the mail#1-a-new-summer-ebt-card-in-the-mail
Expect a new Summer EBT card if you live in Alabama, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, or Washington.
Some states issue a separate EBT card specifically for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks). This card is different from any existing SNAP or other benefit cards you may have.
If your state is delivering new EBT cards, you should receive a Summer EBT card in the mail—usually in a plain white envelope.
If you have multiple children in your household, your state may issue you Summer EBT benefits on separate cards for each child or one card for the household.
Make sure to keep an eye out for your Summer EBT card or cards, because in many states Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after they are issued.
2. Deposits loaded onto your old Summer EBT card#2-deposits-loaded-onto-your-old-summer-ebt-card
Your Summer EBT deposits will go to last year’s Summer EBT card or an old P-EBT card if you live in Arkansas, Colorado, New York, or Wisconsin.
If your state issued Summer EBT cards last year and you still have the old card, check your balance—because some states are reloading that same card in 2025.
If you don’t receive benefits automatically and apply after the regular deposit schedule, you should receive benefits 15 days after you submit a completed Summer EBT application.
Make sure you know your PIN. If you forgot it, call the number on the back of the card to reset it. And if you lost your Summer EBT card altogether, call your state’s Summer EBT office to request a new one.
2. Summer EBT benefits on your regular SNAP EBT card#2-summer-ebt-benefits-on-your-regular-snap-ebt-card
Expect your Summer EBT benefits on your regular SNAP EBT card if you live in Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, or West Virginia.
If you participate in the SNAP (food stamps) program, be aware that many states are adding Summer EBT benefits directly to your regular SNAP EBT card.
If this applies to you, you should receive a Summer EBT deposit on your EBT card in May or June, depending on your state. Keep an eye on your EBT card balance so you know when you get your Summer EBT benefits.
If you get both SNAP and Summer EBT, make sure you spend your Summer EBT benefits first — they expire faster than regular SNAP benefits.
How to activate your Summer EBT card#how-to-activate-your-summer-ebt-card
If you live in a state that's sending out new Summer EBT cards for 2025, you’ll need to activate the card before you can use it.
Most states will ask you to call the number on the back of the card, enter the 16-digit card number, and set a secure 4-digit PIN.
In some states, you may need to use the date of birth of your child as the PIN the first time you activate.
After the card is active, you can use it like a regular debit card to buy eligible groceries at stores that accept SNAP — Summer EBT and SNAP have the same rules about what you can and can’t buy.
Just find a store that accepts EBT, swipe your Summer EBT card, enter your PIN, and go. You can also use your Summer EBT benefits online at certain stores.
How to check your Summer EBT card balance#how-to-check-your-summer-ebt-card-balance
Whether you have a separate Summer EBT card or your Summer EBT balance was deposited on your regular EBT card, you can check your Summer EBT balance and stay up to date on Summer EBT deposit timelines with the Propel app.
You can also check your Summer EBT balance by calling the number on the back of your Summer EBT card.
