Summer EBT & SUN Bucks 2026
Summer EBT — officially called SUN Bucks — gives eligible families $120 for each school-age child to buy groceries over the summer in 2026. If your household already gets SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or Medicaid, your kids are usually signed up automatically. You spend the money at the same stores that take your regular EBT card.
Quick facts: $120 per child ($189 in Hawaii, ~$180 in most territories) · Usually automatic if you get SNAP/TANF/Medicaid · Loads late May through summer · Spend it at SNAP retailers · Expires ~122 days after it loads.
What Is Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)?
SUN Bucks is a permanent federal program run by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. It gives families money for groceries during summer break, when kids lose access to free and reduced-price school meals. The money goes on an EBT card — either your existing SNAP card or a separate Summer EBT card mailed to you.
How Much You Get in 2026
- $120 per eligible child for the whole summer in the 48 states and Washington, D.C.
- $189 per child in Hawaii and about $180 per child in most U.S. territories, where food costs more.
- Most states pay it as one lump sum. A few split it into smaller monthly amounts.
Who Qualifies
Your school-age child (roughly ages 5–18) is eligible if any of these apply:
- Your household gets SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR (and, in many states, Medicaid under income limits).
- Your child gets free or reduced-price school meals, or attends a school where all students eat free.
- Your household income qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, even if you're not in another program.
Automatic vs. apply: Most eligible kids are enrolled automatically — you don't have to do anything. If your child qualifies by income but isn't in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or a school meals program, you may need to submit an application through your state. When in doubt, contact your state SUN Bucks agency.
When Benefits Load
Timing is set by each state and generally runs from late May through the summer. Many states issue the full $120 in a single deposit. Watch for a letter, email, or text from your state agency, and check your EBT balance if you think your child qualifies.
Where You Can Spend SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks works at the same stores that accept SNAP EBT — grocery stores, supermarkets, many convenience stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. It buys the same SNAP-eligible foods.
Find EBT stores near you → or browse stores that accept EBT by state →
Do the Benefits Expire?
Yes — this is the part families most often miss. SUN Bucks benefits typically expire 122 days after they load onto the card. After that they're removed and usually can't be reissued, so use them before your state's deadline. If you have a mix of SNAP and Summer EBT on one card, spending draws from your Summer EBT balance in a set order — check with your state if you're unsure which is being used first.
Which States Are In — and Which Opted Out (2026)
Most states, D.C., participating territories, and many tribal nations run SUN Bucks in 2026. These states chose not to participate this summer:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
Even where a state opted out, some tribal nations run their own SUN Bucks program — for example, several tribes in Oklahoma. Participation can change year to year, so confirm with your state or tribal agency.
What You Can Buy
SUN Bucks covers the same groceries as SNAP: fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereal, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. You can't buy hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. See our complete EBT-eligible food list for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SEBT?
SEBT stands for Summer EBT — a federal program that gives families with school-age children money for groceries over the summer, loaded onto an EBT card. Its official public name is SUN Bucks. It fills the gap when free and reduced-price school meals stop for the summer.
Is SUN Bucks the same as Summer EBT?
Yes. SUN Bucks is simply the name the USDA gives to the Summer EBT program. Some states also use their own name for it, but SUN Bucks, Summer EBT, and SEBT all refer to the same benefit.
How much is Summer EBT in 2026?
Eligible children get $120 each for the summer in the 48 states and DC. Hawaii pays $189 per child and most U.S. territories pay about $180. Most families get it as one lump sum, though a few states split it into smaller payments.
Do I have to apply for SUN Bucks?
Usually no. If your household already gets SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or (in many states) Medicaid, or your child gets free or reduced-price school meals, your child is typically enrolled automatically. Some families — often those whose income qualifies but who are not in another program — do need to apply through their state. Check your state agency to be sure.
When does Summer EBT money come in 2026?
It varies by state, generally landing from late May through the summer. Many states issue it in one deposit; watch for a letter or text from your state agency, and check your EBT balance if you think you qualify.
Where can I spend SUN Bucks?
At the same stores that accept your regular SNAP EBT card — grocery stores, supermarkets, many convenience stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. It buys the same SNAP-eligible foods.
Do Summer EBT benefits expire?
Yes. SUN Bucks benefits typically expire 122 days after they are loaded onto the card. Once they expire they are removed and usually cannot be reissued, so use them before the deadline shown by your state.
What can I buy with SUN Bucks?
The same foods SNAP covers: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, snacks, and other groceries. You cannot buy hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items.
← All EBT Guides · How to use your EBT card →
Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Summer EBT (SUN Bucks); USDA benefit amount, eligibility, and retailer rules. State-level participation and 122-day expiration confirmed against state SUN Bucks agencies (e.g., Maryland DHS, Mass.gov, PA DHS). Last reviewed: July 2026.