Summer EBT 2026 (SUN Bucks)
Summer EBT (also branded as SUN Bucks) is the federal program that provides $120 per eligible school-age child for groceries during summer months. Replaces the pandemic-era P-EBT program. State opt-in: most states participate in 2026; some have opted out.
How Summer EBT works
- Amount: $120 per eligible child for the summer (June-August), in 3 monthly $40 deposits or one lump sum, depending on state
- How received: Loaded onto an existing EBT card if family has SNAP, or onto a new Summer EBT card mailed to the family
- What it buys: Same as SNAP — groceries (no hot food, no alcohol, no household supplies). Use at any SNAP-authorized retailer
- Who qualifies: Kids 5-18 who are enrolled in free/reduced-price school meals during the academic year — automatic in most cases
- How to apply: Most states auto-enroll based on school meal program data; some require an application — check your state portal
States participating in 2026
Most states participate in Summer EBT 2026. A few have opted out (typically states declining federal program funds for ideological reasons). Search "Summer EBT [your state]" or visit states without Summer EBT 2026 for the current opt-out list.
How to apply
- Most states auto-enroll children who get free/reduced-price school meals
- If not auto-enrolled, apply through your state SNAP portal — see apply-snap
- Watch for a Summer EBT card in the mail (some states mail to all eligible families before summer)
- If you don't receive a card by mid-June, call your state SNAP/WIC agency or 211
What if my state opted out?
- Apply for regular SNAP — covers the whole family year-round
- Find summer meals near me — federal Summer Food Service Program serves free meals to kids at thousands of sites
- Use food pantries for groceries to fill the gap
- WIC for kids under 5 + pregnant/postpartum women
FAQ
Is Summer EBT the same as P-EBT?
Summer EBT is the permanent successor to the pandemic-era P-EBT program. Same idea (groceries for kids when school meals stop), but Summer EBT is a permanent federal program with $120 per child per summer. P-EBT ended; Summer EBT is the ongoing version.
Can I use Summer EBT at restaurants?
No — same rules as SNAP. Groceries only at SNAP-authorized retailers. No hot food, no restaurants (except SNAP Restaurant Meals Program in 4 states for elderly/disabled).
Do older kids (16-18) qualify?
Yes if they're enrolled in free/reduced-price school meals during the academic year. Some states cover up through high-school graduation; others cap at age 18.
My state auto-enrolled me but never sent a card
Call your state SNAP/WIC agency or call 211. Cards are sometimes lost in mail. State will reissue.
Feed America (EIN 92-1761881) — 501(c)(3) public charity, Houston TX. Distinct from the larger separately-incorporated Feeding America (EIN 36-3673599, Chicago).