How to apply for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

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Summer EBT, also called SUN Bucks, sends out $120 in food benefits per eligible child to qualifying families.

The goal of Summer EBT is to reduce child hunger during the summer months, when kids lose access to free or reduced-price meals. It is similar to the previous Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program—which ended in 2023—but has a few changes.

Get the latest on Summer EBT and track your balance with Propel

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Do I need to apply for Summer EBT 2026?#do-i-need-to-apply-for-summer-ebt-2026

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 are 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.

How to apply for Summer EBT 2026#how-to-apply-for-summer-ebt-2026

Alabama

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Complete the online registration form if your child isn't automatically enrolled
  • Deadline: August 15

Arizona

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Complete the screener online and fill out the application if prompted
  • Deadline: August 3

Arkansas

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply online and follow the instructions
  • Deadline: August 25

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: TBD

Connecticut

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process
  • Deadline: TBD

District of Columbia

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process
  • Deadline: TBD

Delaware

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply online or complete a paper application and return it to the Division of Social Services
  • Deadline: TBD

Hawaii

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 2

Illinois

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Visit abe.illinois.gov and click on the Summer EBT option.
  • Deadline: TBD

Iowa

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: TBD

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: TBD

Louisiana

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply online and follow the instructions
  • Deadline: August 20

Maine

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply online through Maine.gov and follow the instructions
  • Deadline: August 15

Maryland

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process
  • Deadline: TBD

Massachusetts

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process
  • Deadline: Late August

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: TBD

Nebraska

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process
  • Deadline: TBD

Nevada

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process
  • Deadline: August 10

New Hampshire

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply online at nheasy.nh.gov
  • Deadline: TBD

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: TBD

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: TBD

Vermont

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Complete an online application, or call 1-888-354-0012 to request a paper application.
  • Deadline: TBD

Virginia

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Mail completed applications to Virginia SUN Bucks, c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Applications cannot be emailed or faxed
  • Deadline: TBD

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: TBD

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: TBD

Wisconsin

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: TBD

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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.