All states

Summer EBT

Summer EBT 2026: SUN Bucks Questions and State Links

Summer EBT, also called SUN Bucks, is a summer grocery benefit for eligible school-age children. The national benefit is simple, but applications, card delivery, payment timing, and participation are handled by each state, Tribe, or territory.

Independent information tool. Not a government website.

Start with the official USDA SUN Bucks page, then follow your state, Tribal Nation, or territory link.

Open USDA SUN Bucks

Quick answer

What To Know First

SUN Bucks provides a one-time summer grocery benefit of $120 per eligible school-age child in participating locations. Many children are enrolled automatically because their household receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or another qualifying benefit, or because school meal eligibility records already show they qualify. Other families may need to apply through their state, Tribal Nation, or territory.

For 2026, USDA says its participation page will be updated as agencies finalize plans. That is why the most useful answer is usually state-specific: whether your location participates, whether you need to apply, when benefits arrive, and which card receives the money can all vary.

Summer EBT 2026 Questions

Is Summer EBT happening in 2026?

Yes, in participating states, Tribal Nations, and territories. USDA lists 2026 participation statuses and says the page is updated as agencies finalize plans.

Is Summer EBT the same as SUN Bucks?

Yes. USDA uses SUN Bucks as the national name, and many locations also call the program Summer EBT or Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer.

How much is Summer EBT in 2026?

USDA describes SUN Bucks as $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child for the summer.

Who gets it automatically?

Automatic enrollment often covers school-age children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or certain other income-based benefits. Children may also qualify automatically through school meal eligibility records.

Who needs to apply?

Families usually need to apply only when the child is not automatically enrolled but may still meet income and school-program rules. The application process is state-specific.

Where do I apply?

Use USDA's SUN Bucks map to reach the official agency page for your state, Tribal Nation, or territory. Some states use school meal applications; others use a dedicated Summer EBT portal.

When will benefits arrive?

There is no single national deposit date. For example, Maine says automatic 2026 benefits are issued between June 1 and June 15, while California says cards begin mailing in late May.

Does every state participate?

No. USDA's 2026 map includes participating, planned, Tribal-only, and not-participating statuses. Always confirm your location before assuming benefits are available.

Can I get more than one benefit for the same child?

No. State materials commonly warn that a child cannot receive duplicate Summer EBT benefits from more than one state for the same summer.

Is it loaded on my regular EBT card?

Sometimes. USDA says benefits may be added to a household's SNAP account, issued on a separate EBT card, or delivered another way depending on the local program.

What can SUN Bucks buy?

SUN Bucks can buy SNAP-eligible groceries such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic drinks. Hot foods and non-food items are not allowed.

Where can I use SUN Bucks?

USDA says SUN Bucks can be used at many stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and online retailers that accept EBT.

Do SUN Bucks expire?

Yes. State and USDA-linked materials commonly describe a 122-day use window from when benefits are added. California says unused funds expire after 122 days and cannot be replaced.

Does this replace regular SNAP?

No. SUN Bucks is a summer grocery benefit for eligible children. It does not replace regular SNAP, and some state materials say participation does not affect other public benefits.

What if I moved or changed schools?

Check the official agency for the state where the child completed the school year before summer. Keep your mailing address current with the school and benefit agency so cards or notices reach you.

Why State Links Matter

California

California says streamlined-certified children get SUN Bucks cards by mail beginning in late May 2026, and families who need to apply must submit school forms by August 31, 2026.

Ohio

Ohio has a dedicated Summer EBT portal with application, application-status, income-eligibility, and funds-availability tools. Ohio lists August 14, 2026 as its application deadline.

Maine

Maine says most eligible families are automatically enrolled, notices go out before June 15, 2026, and automatic benefits are issued between June 1 and June 15.

Utah

Utah's Department of Workforce Services says SUN Bucks is closed for 2025 and will not be offered for summer 2026, which shows why participation cannot be assumed.

Official Sources

Last updated: May 30, 2026