What is Summer EBT and who qualifies?

Summer EBT (also called SUN Bucks) is a benefit program that sends low-income households $120 per eligible school-age child to spend on groceries during the summer.

This helps families during school break, when kids don't have access to free or reduced-price school meals. The SUN Bucks program started in 2024 and is now in its third year, returning for summer 2026.

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Who qualifies for Summer EBT?#who-qualifies-for-summer-ebt

The definition of “school age” varies by state. In general, children who qualify for Summer EBT based on their enrollment in federal free or reduced-price meals by their school can be any age.

Most eligible kids get approved automatically and don’t need to formally apply. You don't need to apply for Summer EBT if your child is enrolled in:

• SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or FDPIR benefits
• Medicaid (in most participating states)
• Free or reduced-price meals through a school with the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program
• Head Start

Children who are in foster care, are experiencing homelessness, or are part of a migrant family may also be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT.

What about homeschooled kids and preschoolers?#what-about-homeschooled-kids-and-preschoolers

Kids who are homeschooled or attend online school may still qualify if they participate in programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid in some states.

Each state also has its own rules about preschoolers. In some places, preschoolers are eligible if they attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and their household meets the income guidelines for free or reduced-price meals.

If your child isn't automatically eligible but your household income is below a certain limit, you can still apply for Summer EBT.

Families that think they should be automatically enrolled but don’t receive the benefit should also apply. Check your state’s Summer EBT website for an application later in the summer.

Which states are not participating in Summer EBT 2026?#which-states-are-not-participating-in-summer-ebt-2026

While Summer-EBT is offered in a number of states for 2026, some states are not participating.

The following states are not offering Summer EBT benefits this year:

• Alaska
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma (unless you’re part of a participating tribal nation)
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Wyoming

How much will I get from Summer EBT?#how-much-will-i-get-from-summer-ebt

You’ll get $120 per eligible child for the entire summer period. That means it’s a one-time, $120 payment for June, July, and August—not a $120 payment for each summer month. Some states might break it up and deposit it as $40 per month.

When will I get Summer EBT?#when-will-i-get-summer-ebt

Benefits will generally be available in late May or early June 2026, though timing varies by state.

• Expect benefits in May: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, West Virginia
• Expect benefits in June: Alabama, California, District of Columbia, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin

Several states haven’t announced payment dates. Keep in mind that the 2026 deposit schedule in your state may be different from summer 2025.

How will I get Summer EBT?#how-will-i-get-summer-ebt

There are three different ways families will receive Summer EBT benefits. Depending on the state, your Summer EBT payment 2026 will:

• Be added to your existing SNAP EBT card
• Reload onto last year's Summer EBT card
• Arrive in the mail in the form of a new Summer EBT card

The card may come in your child's name or a parent or guardian's name, depending on your state. Your state may send one card for all of the kids in a household or one card for each eligible child.

Lost your Summer EBT card from last year? Contact your state’s Summer EBT or SUN Bucks support email or phone number for a replacement.

You can use your Summer EBT card just like a SNAP EBT card or a regular debit card. The spending restrictions for SNAP benefits are the same for Summer EBT, so you can only use your Summer EBT on eligible groceries.

Is Summer-EBT the same as P-EBT?#is-summer-ebt-the-same-as-p-ebt

No, Summer EBT is not the same benefit as P-EBT, though Summer EBT is modeled after the now-discontinued pandemic response program.

P-EBT started in 2020 when kids couldn't get their free or reduced-price meals during COVID-19 school or childcare closures. Benefits were added to existing SNAP EBT cards for most families.

P-EBT ended when the public health emergency expired in 2023, and Summer EBT was introduced as an optional program for states. The two programs have slightly different eligibility rules and different benefit amounts.

Other important tips to know about Summer EBT#other-important-tips-to-know-about-summer-ebt

• Your Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after you receive them
• Getting Summer EBT won't affect any other food benefits you receive, like SNAP or WIC—it's extra help on top of other benefits
• You don't need to be a U.S. citizen for your kids to get Summer EBT, and it will not affect your immigration status
• If your food is spoiled or lost because of a power outage or natural disaster, your state may have to replace your Summer EBT benefits
• The Propel app makes checking your Summer EBT balance easy. You can add multiple cards to your account, which is helpful if you have more than one child receiving benefits.
• You can also call the number on the back of your card to check your Summer EBT balance