The Summer EBT program, officially called SUN Bucks, gives eligible families $120 per child to spend on groceries during the summer months when school meals are no longer available. Benefits load onto an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and many farmers markets. Most families who qualify are enrolled automatically, but some households need to submit an application. This guide covers who qualifies, income limits, which states participate, and exactly how to apply.
What Is the Summer EBT Program?
Summer EBT is a federal nutrition program run by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Congress made it permanent in 2023 after a pilot program showed it reduced child food insecurity during summer break. The program launched nationally for summer 2024, and most states have participated since then.
The benefit is $120 per eligible school-age child, typically distributed as three monthly payments of $40 in June, July, and August, or as a single lump sum depending on the state. In Hawaii, the benefit is $189 per child to account for higher food costs. In most U.S. territories, it is $180 per child.
Benefits are deposited onto an EBT card. If a household already has a SNAP EBT card, Summer EBT benefits are usually added to that same card. Families who are not on SNAP will receive a separate SUN Bucks card in the mail. Benefits expire 122 days after they are issued.
Who Is Eligible for Summer EBT?
Eligibility is based on the child's participation in certain programs and household income. There are two main ways a child can qualify.
Path 1: Automatic eligibility through another program
Children are automatically eligible for Summer EBT when they live in a household that receives:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
- Medicaid (in some states)
Children who were directly certified for free or reduced-price school meals at a participating school also qualify automatically.
Path 2: Income-based eligibility
Children who do not receive the programs above may still qualify if their household income falls at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is the same income threshold used for free and reduced-price school meals.
Summer EBT Income Limits (2025-2026)
The income eligibility guidelines below apply from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. These are the limits for the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher guidelines.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 |
| Each additional | +$10,175 | +$848 |
These figures are based on 185% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines published by the Department of Health and Human Services. Income is calculated based on gross household income before taxes.
Which States Participate in Summer EBT 2026?
Not all states have opted into the program. The following states are NOT participating in Summer EBT for summer 2026:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma (though five tribal nations within Oklahoma run their own Summer EBT programs)
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
All other states, Washington D.C., and most U.S. territories are participating. Iowa joined the program for the first time in 2026. If your state is not on this list, your child may be eligible.
If you live in a non-participating state, your child may still be able to access free summer meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides free breakfast and lunch at sites in your community. You can find sites at fns.usda.gov or by texting "Food" to 304-304.
Do You Need to Apply?
Most families do not need to do anything. If your household already receives SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, your children should be automatically enrolled. You will receive a notification from your state agency before benefits are issued.
If your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and was certified for free or reduced-price meals, they are typically enrolled automatically as well.
You need to apply if:
- Your household income qualifies but you are not enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR
- Your child attends a private school or is homeschooled
- Your child was not enrolled in school during the previous school year
- You did not receive an automatic enrollment notice but believe your child qualifies
How to Apply for Summer EBT: Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your State's Program
Go to your state's Summer EBT or SUN Bucks website. Each state administers the program slightly differently, with its own application portal and deadline. Most states accept applications through August 31. Search for "[your state] Summer EBT 2026" or "[your state] SUN Bucks" to find the official site.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Most applications ask for the following for each child you are applying for:
- Child's full name and date of birth
- Child's school name and school year grade
- Home mailing address
- Household size (number of people who live and eat together)
- Gross household income (before taxes) from all sources
For income verification, you may be asked to provide pay stubs, a recent tax return, an employer letter, or documentation of benefits received. Not all applications require documents upfront, but keep them available in case your state requests verification.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Complete the application online through your state's portal, or download and mail a paper application if your state provides one. Some states allow you to apply in person at a local benefits office.
When submitting, double-check that all children's names and birthdates are correct and that your mailing address is current. An incorrect address is the most common reason families miss their SUN Bucks card.
Step 4: Wait for Approval and Card Delivery
Processing times vary. Most states send a determination letter or notification within a few weeks. If approved, your benefits will be loaded to your existing SNAP EBT card or a new SUN Bucks card will be mailed to you.
If you have a SNAP EBT card, look for a balance increase on your card in late May or early June. You do not need a new card.
Step 5: Use Benefits Before They Expire
Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after they are issued. Use them to purchase any food item that is normally eligible under SNAP, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Summer EBT cannot be used for hot prepared foods, vitamins, medicine, or household supplies.
Summer EBT vs. P-EBT: What Is the Difference?
P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) was a separate, temporary program created during COVID-19 to replace school meals when schools were closed. P-EBT has ended and is no longer available.
Summer EBT is the permanent replacement program. It is specifically designed for the summer break period and is funded and operated differently from the old P-EBT system. If you heard about P-EBT in previous years, Summer EBT is the current equivalent.
What If My Child Does Not Attend Public School?
Children in private schools, charter schools, and some homeschool programs can still qualify for Summer EBT through the income-based application path, as long as the household meets the 185% FPL income limit. These families will almost always need to submit a formal application since automatic enrollment only applies to children certified through their school's meal programs.
Contact your state's Summer EBT agency directly to confirm the application process for non-public school students.
Check What Other Benefits You May Qualify For
Summer EBT is one of many programs available to families with children. If your household qualifies for Summer EBT based on income, you may also be eligible for SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, the Child Tax Credit, and free or reduced-price school meals year-round.
Use our free benefits screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to see which programs you qualify for based on your household size, income, and state. It takes about two minutes and covers 11 programs at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer EBT also called?
Summer EBT is also called SUN Bucks. Both names refer to the same federal program run by the USDA. Some states use their own branding, such as "Summer P-EBT" or their own program name, but the benefit structure is the same.
How much money does Summer EBT provide per child?
Families receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. This is typically distributed as $40 per month in June, July, and August, though some states issue it as a lump sum. In Hawaii the benefit is $189 per child, and in most U.S. territories it is $180 per child.
When does Summer EBT start in 2026?
Most states begin distributing Summer EBT benefits in late May or early June 2026. The exact deposit date depends on your state. Check your state's official Summer EBT website for the specific schedule.
Do I need a separate card for Summer EBT?
If your household already receives SNAP, benefits are usually added to your existing EBT card. Families who are not on SNAP will receive a separate SUN Bucks card in the mail. Make sure your mailing address is current with your state agency.
When is the deadline to apply for Summer EBT?
Most states set the application deadline at August 31. A few states have earlier deadlines. Check your state's Summer EBT website as soon as possible to avoid missing the cutoff.
My state is not participating. Are there other summer food options?
Yes. The USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals for children at thousands of sites across the country, including schools, libraries, parks, and community centers. Find a site near you at fns.usda.gov or by texting "Food" to 304-304.
Can homeschooled children get Summer EBT?
Homeschooled children may qualify through the income-based application path if the household is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. They will not be automatically enrolled since they are not certified through a school meal program. Contact your state's Summer EBT office to get the application.
What can I buy with Summer EBT benefits?
Summer EBT benefits work the same as SNAP at the grocery store. You can buy most food items including produce, meat, dairy, bread, and packaged foods. You cannot use them for hot prepared food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food household items.
How long do Summer EBT benefits last before they expire?
Benefits expire 122 days after they are issued. Spend them before the expiration date, as unused benefits cannot be carried over to the next year.
What if my income is slightly above the limit?
Summer EBT does not have a grace period or phase-out range at 185% FPL. Households above the threshold are not eligible unless their child is already enrolled in a qualifying program like SNAP or TANF. If your income recently dropped, you may want to check eligibility for SNAP, which has a slightly lower income limit (130% FPL gross) but covers more households with certain deductions applied.
