You might have heard that summer can be the hardest season to keep nutritious meals on the table for families with school-aged children. The Sun Bucks Food Assistance Program steps in here by offering $120 in food benefits per eligible child, helping you make sure your family eats well even when school meals aren’t available.
But qualifying and accessing these benefits involves specific criteria and timing that could affect how much support you actually receive.
Key Takeaways
- The Sun Bucks Food Assistance Program, also known as Summer EBT, provides $120 in food benefits per eligible child to support summer nutrition.
- Eligibility is automatic for children in SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR households and income-based applicants under 185% of the federal poverty level must apply.
- Benefits are distributed on SNAP or Summer EBT cards, issued typically in late May or early June, and expire 122 days after issuance.
- Participating states include Pennsylvania, New York, California, and others, while states like Texas and Florida do not participate in 2025.
- Use of Sun Bucks benefits does not reduce other assistance programs and does not affect immigration status or public charge determinations.
What Is the Sun Bucks Food Assistance Program?
The Sun Bucks Food Assistance Program, also known as Summer EBT, helps families provide nutritious food for children during the summer months when school meals aren’t available.
It offers $120 in food benefits per eligible child, automatically reaching many children from households receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. Eligible families with incomes under 185% of the federal poverty limit can also apply regardless of immigration status.
Benefits arrive in late May or early June on SNAP EBT or new Summer EBT cards and typically expire after 122 days. This program supports over 30 million children without affecting other food benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Sun Bucks Benefits
| Eligibility Basis | Income Criterion | Application Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP/TANF/FDPIR | Not applicable | Automatic |
| Income-Based | Under 185% FPL | Required |
| Foster/Homeless | Under 185% FPL | Required |
| Migrant Families | Under 185% FPL | Required |
Participating States, Territories, and Tribal Nations in Summer EBT
Although not every state participates, many you might live in or near, including Alabama, California, Colorado, and New York, offer Summer EBT benefits to eligible families. This program spans states, territories, and tribal nations to help children access nutritious food during summer.
- Participating states include Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and New York
- Territories like American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands join in
- Tribal nations participating include the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Muscogee Creek
- Non-participating states for 2025 include Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and Texas
- Eligibility is automatic for kids in SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR households in participating areas
You won’t get Summer EBT deposits if you live in non-participating states, but advocacy continues for wider access.
States Not Participating in Summer EBT 2025
Several states, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Alaska, won’t participate in the Summer EBT program—also known as SUN Bucks—in 2025.
As residents of these non-participating states, you shouldn’t expect any Summer EBT deposits this summer. This decision can be especially tough on single parents and families already relying on food aid to make ends meet during school breaks.
While future inclusion in the SUN Bucks program for these states might happen, it’s not guaranteed. In the meantime, you can advocate for expanded access to nutrition programs and government-led grants that support low-income households with children.
Contact your local representatives to understand your state’s stance and to push for better support systems. Staying informed helps ensure that children don’t miss out on essential summer nutrition assistance.
How to Apply for Summer EBT Benefits
Wondering how to apply for Summer EBT benefits if your family isn’t automatically eligible? You need to apply to receive these valuable benefits, especially if your household income is under 185% of the federal poverty limit.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use the eligibility checker to confirm if you need to apply.
- Submit applications by phone by August 15, 2025, or mail printed forms by August 30, 2025.
- Applications are available online or through local resources.
- Foster, homeless, or migrant children can also apply.
- Timely submission guarantees consideration for Summer EBT benefits.
Act promptly to maximize your assistance this summer.
Benefit Amounts and Distribution Schedule
You’ll receive $120 per eligible child for the summer, with amounts increasing for households with more children, $240 for two children and $360 for three.
Benefits are generally distributed starting in late May or early June 2025, either on your existing SNAP EBT card or a new Summer EBT card, which may take time to arrive due to demand.
Benefit Amounts Overview
The SUN Bucks program provides eligible children with a total of $120 in benefits, distributed evenly at $40 per month for June, July, and August.
You’ll receive benefits calculated per child: $120 for one child, $240 for two, and $360 for three. Benefits usually start arriving in late May or early June on your existing SNAP EBT card or a new SUN Bucks card.
Keep in mind, new cards may take weeks to arrive due to demand. Also, benefits expire 122 days after issuance, so use them promptly for summer grocery needs.
- Benefits are given per child in your household
- Monthly installments of $40 across three summer months
- Issued on SNAP EBT or new Summer EBT cards
- New cards may have delivery delays to plan for
- Benefits expire after 122 days; timely use is encouraged
Distribution Timeline
Distribution of SUN Bucks benefits generally begins in late May or early June, with exact timing varying by state and program rules.
Distribution dates for Summer EBT benefits are set differently depending on your state’s schedule, so you may receive your benefits earlier or later than others.
These benefits usually come as deposits onto existing SNAP EBT cards or new Summer EBT cards, though new cards can take weeks to arrive due to high demand.
Keep in mind, benefits expire 122 days after issuance, so plan your grocery purchases to use them fully within that period.
Payment Methods
Although benefit amounts may vary by state, you’ll typically receive $120 per eligible child for the summer, delivered as $40 each month over three months.
These funds are loaded onto your existing SNAP EBT card or a new Summer EBT (SUN) card, which may take weeks to arrive. You can expect:
- Benefits start issuing in late May or early June 2025
- Families with multiple eligible children receive proportionally higher benefits
- Benefits don’t affect your regular SNAP food assistance
- Purchases must follow SNAP rules at participating retailers
- Benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance for best use
This method guarantees consistent summer support through your SUN EBT card.
Using Summer EBT Benefits and Eligible Purchases
Anyone using Summer EBT benefits gets a $120 allotment per eligible child loaded onto either an existing SNAP EBT card or a new Summer EBT card.
This can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers to purchase a variety of nutritious foods. Eligible purchases include fresh produce, dairy, grains, and meat, following the same rules as SNAP, so you can stock up on healthy options for your family.
Benefits expire 122 days after issuance, so be sure to monitor your balance through the Propel App or customer service to avoid losing funds.
Managing Your Summer EBT Card and Checking Balances
You can check your Summer EBT card balance easily by calling the toll-free number on the back of your card, using the Propel app, or visiting your state’s EBT web portal.
Keep track of your purchases using receipts, which print your remaining balance after each transaction, helping you manage benefit usage effectively.
If you encounter any issues with your card or benefits, report them promptly to guarantee uninterrupted access to your Summer EBT assistance.
Checking Card Balance
How can you quickly check your Summer EBT card balance to manage your food budget effectively?
Stay in control of your Summer EBT benefits by monitoring your balance regularly. You can:
- Use the Propel app to view your balance and adjust your grocery budget anytime.
- Call the phone number on your Summer EBT or SUN Bucks card to check your balance.
- Check printed receipts after purchases to see your remaining funds.
- Remember your benefits expire 122 days after issuance, so track your balance cautiously.
- Share Summer EBT information with family and friends to help others access their benefits smoothly.
Managing Benefit Usage
Managing your Summer EBT card effectively involves regular balance checks and strategic budgeting. You can easily monitor your SUN Bucks balance using the Propel app, which also offers eligibility details and budgeting tools to help you manage grocery spending.
Alternatively, call the number on the back of your EBT card for balance inquiries. Remember, Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after issuance, so tracking your balance is essential.
Since benefits follow SNAP rules and can be used by any household member regardless of the cardholder’s name, it’s helpful to share this info with family and friends to support every eligible child.
Reporting Card Issues
Whenever a Summer EBT card malfunctions or fails to arrive, prompt action guarantees uninterrupted access to your family’s benefits.
Reporting card issues quickly helps you maintain your benefits and participate in the future without delay.
Here’s what to do:
- Check your Summer EBT balance anytime via the Propel App or by calling the number on your card
- Report lost, stolen, or damaged cards immediately to prevent misuse
- Contact local support for issues like non-receipt or access problems
- Expect new cards to take weeks due to high demand
- Use the Virginia EBT Help Line if you have an expungement letter or need help with card status
Impact of Summer EBT on Other Assistance Programs
Because Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) provides an additional $120 per child specifically for summer nutritional support, it *does not reduce or replace* benefits from other assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid; instead, it works alongside them to improve food security during times when regular school meal programs are unavailable.
You can rely on Summer EBT to supplement your existing assistance without risking cuts to your current SNAP or TANF benefits. Even non-citizen families can participate safely, and if you’re not automatically eligible, you can use an eligibility checker to apply easily.
This guarantees your children get extra help when they need it most.
Summer EBT and Immigration Status Considerations
You don’t need to worry about your or your child’s immigration status when accessing Summer EBT benefits, as receiving these food benefits won’t affect immigration status or count toward a public charge determination.
The program is designed to be inclusive, so all eligible children can benefit regardless of their citizenship or immigration situation.
Even non-citizen families can access Summer EBT, and you can still use free summer meal sites without any immigration implications.
No Impact on Immigration
Although immigration status often raises concerns about eligibility for assistance programs, the Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program explicitly guarantees that receiving benefits won’t impact your immigration status or public charge status.
You can rest assured that:
- Your child is automatically eligible regardless of immigration status if otherwise qualified
- Receiving benefits won’t affect your or your child’s immigration status
- The program doesn’t count toward public charge determinations
- Eligible non-citizen families participating in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid qualify automatically
- The assistance supports nutritious meals without immigration-related implications
This guarantees access to essential food support without fear or barriers.
Eligibility for Non-Citizens
Non-citizen children qualify for the Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program just as citizen children do, providing essential summer food assistance without affecting immigration status.
No citizenship documentation is required for eligibility, making it inclusive. You don’t need to be a citizen for your children to receive Summer EBT benefits, and this aid won’t impact your immigration status.
The program aims to reduce child hunger during the summer, supporting both non-citizen and citizen families who need it.
Summer EBT benefits are available to households regardless of immigration status, ensuring access to necessary food assistance.
Resources and Support for Non-Participating Areas
Since Texas isn’t participating in the Summer EBT/SUN Bucks program for 2025, residents won’t receive Summer EBT deposits to assist with food costs.
However, several resources and programs can support you in accessing nutrition assistance:
- Contact local representatives to advocate for expanded food aid access
- Use Feeding Texas’s food bank locator at FeedingTexas.org
- Investigate summer meal programs listed on SquareMeals.org
- Reach out to community organizations like Gift Card Bank at [email protected]
- Access additional support resources designed for those outside participating tribes
These options help address food insecurity despite non-participation.
Summer EBT Updates, Contact Information, and Technical Assistance
You’ll want to submit your Summer EBT application by August 30, 2025, for printed forms or by August 15, 2025, by phone, with all applications accepted through September 2, 2025.
If you encounter any issues, a call center is available until September 30, 2025, to provide support. Technical assistance is ongoing to address distribution issues, guaranteeing timely delivery of benefits.
You can check eligibility and application requirements through local resources or by contacting Summer EBT representatives. This helps guarantee that you receive your Summer EBT benefits effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should We Receive Summer EBT?
You should receive your summer EBT benefits starting around late May to early June, but distribution varies by state and eligibility criteria. Benefits total $120 per child, given in monthly $40 increments, usually on existing or new EBT cards. If you apply by August 15 or mail by August 30, benefits can still be issued through October. Check your state’s timeline and contact customer service if you don’t receive benefits timely.
Why Did I Get a Sun Bucks Card Without Applying?
About 85% of eligible children receive a Sun Bucks card automatically because they qualify through programs like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid without needing to apply. You got your card due to this card eligibility process, which may feel like unexpected benefits.
Who Qualifies for Sun Bucks in Louisiana?
You qualify for Sun Bucks in Louisiana if your child is enrolled in SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, or income-based Medicaid, or received free/reduced-price school meals. Otherwise, you must apply by the deadline, following eligibility criteria and application process instructions at louisiana.summerebtapp.com.
How Do I Apply for Sunbucks NC?
You apply for Sun Bucks NC by completing an online application if your child isn’t automatically eligible through SNAP or TANF. The application process requires you to meet eligibility criteria based on income or school meal program enrollment and submit before the June 30 deadline.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on the $120 in SUN Bucks your child may be eligible for this summer—these benefits can make a real difference when school meals aren’t available. Check if your child’s automatically enrolled or if you need to apply before the September 2 deadline. Remember, unused benefits expire after 122 days, so act quickly. Your child’s nutrition matters, and SUN Bucks is here to support you—could this be the boost you’ve been waiting for?
