Guide to Summer EBT 2026: Deposit dates by state, eligibility and more

Summer EBT, also called SUN Bucks, is a special program that provides $120 in food benefits to eligible children each summer in most states.

Its purpose is to reduce child hunger during the summer months, when school-aged kids lose access to free or reduced-price meals. The SUN Bucks program started in 2024 and is now in its third year for summer 2026.

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Summer EBT 2026 participating states, territories, and tribes#summer-ebt-2026-participating-states-territories-and-tribes

Participating states

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington D.C.

Participating U.S. territories

American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Participating tribal nations

Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Otoe-Missouria Tribe

Which states aren't participating in Summer EBT 2026?#which-states-arent-participating-in-summer-ebt-2026

Summer EBT 2026 will not be available in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

These states may choose to participate in the future, but for now, residents should not expect a Summer EBT deposit for 2026.

Who is eligible for Summer EBT/SUN Bucks?#who-is-eligible-for-summer-ebt-sun-bucks

Children are considered automatically eligible if they live in a household that receives SNAP (also called food stamps). Children are also automatically eligible in most states if their household receives:

• TANF
• FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
• Medicaid (about 39 states)

Families of children who are not automatically eligible can still submit an application for Summer EBT.

To be approved, their household must be under 185% of the federal poverty limit (for example, a household of three must make less than $50,542 per year to be eligible).

If you're still not sure if you're eligible for Summer EBT 2026, use this eligibility checker to find out and see what the next steps are.

Who needs to apply for Summer EBT?#who-needs-to-apply-for-summer-ebt

Most children who qualify will be automatically approved for Summer EBT and do not need to apply. Parents or guardians will be notified of their child's eligibility, and benefits will then be sent. 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'll get Summer EBT automatically or need to apply, use this eligibility checker to find out.

Families who are not automatically approved for Summer EBT but meet the income requirements will need to fill out an application.

Do kids who are homeschooled or go to online school get Summer EBT?#do-kids-who-are-homeschooled-or-go-to-online-school-get-summer-ebt

It depends—children not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) may still qualify if they are part of other programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid in some states.

How much will I get for Summer EBT 2026?#how-much-will-i-get-for-summer-ebt-2026

Families will receive a total of $120 per eligible child for the summer period. States will deposit this as a lump sum or as $40 monthly deposits.

• 1 child: $120
• 2 children: $240
• 3 children: $360
• More than 3 children: $120 for each additional child

If you live in Hawaii or a U.S. territory, your benefit amount may be higher to reflect the cost of living. Hawaii and most U.S. territories receive $177 per child. Check your state or territory's Summer EBT website for the exact amount.

These benefits can be spent at grocery stores and other retailers that accept EBT, just like SNAP benefits.

How are Summer EBT/SUN Bucks sent out?#how-are-summer-ebt-sun-bucks-sent-out

Depending on your state, your Summer EBT or SUN Bucks will either be issued:

1. Straight to your existing SNAP EBT card
2. Onto last year’s Summer EBT card
3. Onto a new Summer EBT card that will be mailed to you

If your state is sending a new card for 2026, it should arrive in an envelope in the mail.

When will I get my Summer EBT card or deposit?#when-will-i-get-my-summer-ebt-card-or-deposit

The timeline depends on your state, but Summer EBT benefits will generally be available in late May or early June 2026.

Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) cards are generally mailed pre-loaded with benefits, but it may take several days for the card to arrive. Most cards must be activated and a PIN set before the funds can be used. If the benefits are placed on an existing EBT card, you may need to verify that your PIN is active.

Summer EBT 2026 deposit dates by state#summer-ebt-2026-deposit-dates-by-state

Some 2026 state-specific dates are not yet confirmed. Propel will update this table as states publish their schedules.

How can I check my Summer EBT card balance?#how-can-i-check-my-summer-ebt-card-balance

The Propel App makes it easy to check your Summer EBT balance. You can also add multiple cards to your account, which is helpful for families with more than one child.

You can also check your Summer EBT balance by calling the number on the back of the card.

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When do Summer EBT deposits expire?#when-do-summer-ebt-deposits-expire

Summer EBT/SUN Bucks will expire 122 days after the date they are issued to the household's EBT or SUN Bucks card. Note that the "issuance date" is when the funds are digitally loaded, which may be several days before you receive your card in the mail.

If your Summer EBT benefits are on your regular EBT card along with your SNAP benefits, your Summer EBT benefits will automatically be used first (instead of your regular SNAP) when you swipe your card.

What can I buy with Summer EBT?#what-can-i-buy-with-summer-ebt

Summer EBT follows the same rules as regular SNAP benefits. You can use your Summer EBT on most types of groceries, including:

• Fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, or canned
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like chips, popcorn, and crackers
• Canned or dried beans
• Spreads like peanut butter, jam, or jelly
• Non-alcoholic beverages like juice, water, and energy drinks

You can’t use Summer EBT benefits to buy items that aren’t allowed under SNAP, which includes things like hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and supplements, pet food, and non-food items such as paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, and wipes.

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What about in states with food restrictions?#what-about-in-states-with-food-restrictions

As of early 2026, 22 states have received federal waivers to restrict what can be purchased with SNAP benefits. For example, in some states, you can no longer buy sugary drinks or candy with SNAP.

In these states, Summer EBT generally follows the same restrictions, so you won't be able to use your Summer EBT benefit to buy the items your state has blocked. If you're in a state with SNAP restrictions, review your state’s Summer EBT rules to see which items are allowed before shopping.

FAQs#faqs

Whose name will be on the Summer EBT card?#whose-name-will-be-on-the-summer-ebt-card

This can vary by state, but if you get a separate Summer EBT card, it will be issued either to the head of household or to the eligible child.

Anyone who is part of the household can use the card, so if you’re the head of household and the Summer EBT card is issued in your name, your partner can use it at the grocery store. The same goes for cards issued to your kids; they don’t have to be present when you use the money.

Does getting Summer EBT/SUN Bucks affect my food stamps?#does-getting-summer-ebt-sun-bucks-affect-my-food-stamps

No, Summer EBT or SUN Bucks will not impact any other food benefits you receive. It's extra help on top of any other benefits you or your children might be getting.

Do I have to be a US citizen to get Summer EBT? Does it affect my immigration status?#do-i-have-to-be-a-us-citizen-to-get-summer-ebt-does-it-affect-my-immigration-status

No, you do not need to be a citizen for your kids to get Summer EBT, and it will NOT affect your immigration status.

Applying for or receiving Summer EBT also does NOT affect the immigration status of your children or family.

Where can I get updates about Summer EBT?#where-can-i-get-updates-about-summer-ebt

Download the Propel app to stay on top of your benefits, check your EBT balance, and get information about any other benefits you might be eligible for.