The Summer EBT guide everyone is using
SUN Bucks give eligible kids $120 for summer groceries. Here's which states are participating, who qualifies, how much you'll get, and when it lands.
Which states are participating in 2026?#which-states-are-participating-in-2026
Most states are participating in Summer EBT 2026. Find your state on the map below.
These 12 states are not participating in 2026: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. If you live in one of them, your kids can still get summer food help — see the options further down.
Five U.S. territories (American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and several Tribal nations are also running Summer EBT in 2026.
Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?#who-qualifies-for-sun-bucks
Children are automatically eligible if they live in a household that receives SNAP. In most states they're also automatic if the household gets:
- TANF
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
- Medicaid (in about 39 states)
Kids enrolled at a school that takes part in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program and who qualify for free or reduced-price meals are typically covered too, as are children in foster care, Head Start, migrant families, or experiencing homelessness.
Do you need to apply?#do-you-need-to-apply
In most cases, no. If your child is automatically eligible, you'll get SUN Bucks without doing anything. If you're not automatically enrolled but your household income is under 185% of the federal poverty level, you may need to submit an application — check with your state.
How much will you get?#how-much-will-you-get
per eligible child — paid as a lump sum or $40/month over three months
That's $240 for two children, $360 for three, and $120 for each additional child. Hawaii ($189) and most U.S. territories (about $180) pay more to reflect the higher cost of living.
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No SUN Bucks in your state? Other summer food help#no-sun-bucks-in-your-state-other-summer-food-help
If your state isn't participating — or you need a little extra — these programs can help fill the gap over the summer.
Free summer meals (SUN Meals)#free-summer-meals-sun-meals
The USDA's SUN Meals program serves free breakfast, lunch, and snacks to any child 18 or under at thousands of sites — schools, parks, libraries, churches, and community centers — in all 50 states, including those that skip SUN Bucks. No sign-up, ID, or income check required.
- Text “FOOD” (or “COMIDA”) to 304-304 to find a site near you
- Or call the USDA Hotline at 1-866-348-6479
Hours can change through the summer, so confirm before you go. Rural areas may offer SUN Meals To-Go for pickup or delivery.
Double Up Food Bucks#double-up-food-bucks
If your household gets SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks matches what you spend on fruits and vegetables dollar-for-dollar (up to a daily limit) at participating stores and farmers markets. No separate application — an active SNAP EBT card is all you need. It's available in 26 states; check yours at doubleupamerica.org or by calling 211.
Food banks and pantries#food-banks-and-pantries
Local food banks and pantries can stock your home kitchen with pre-packed boxes, fresh and canned food, or mobile deliveries. Most don't require ID or proof of income. Find one at feedingamerica.org or call 211.
WIC#wic
If you have kids under 5, or you're pregnant or recently postpartum, WIC provides monthly benefits for foods like fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, whole grains, and baby food year-round — no matter your state's SUN Bucks status. Find your program at fns.usda.gov/wic.
When will SUN Bucks arrive? Deposit dates by state#when-will-sun-bucks-arrive-deposit-dates-by-state
Timing varies by state. Most deposits land between mid-May and mid-June 2026. Here's the latest on each participating state's deposit window, application deadline, and how benefits are delivered.
Dates can shift, and some states roll benefits out in waves. If your date has passed and nothing has arrived, check your balance and confirm your state hasn't mailed a new card.
How you'll get your benefits#how-youll-get-your-benefits
Depending on your state, your SUN Bucks arrive one of three ways: loaded onto your existing SNAP EBT card, onto last year's Summer EBT card, or on a brand-new card mailed to you. If a new card is coming, watch your mail — and update your address with your state if you've moved.
When does Summer EBT expire?#when-does-summer-ebt-expire
Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after they're issued — and the clock starts when funds are loaded, which can be days before the card reaches you. Use them before then, or you'll lose what's left.
What can you buy with Summer EBT?#what-can-you-buy-with-summer-ebt
You can buy the same groceries you can with regular SNAP: fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, and snacks, plus seeds and plants that produce food. You can't use it on hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food household items.