New Jersey SUN Bucks 2026 (Summer EBT)
SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible school-age child for groceries during summer months when school meals stop. New Jersey families with kids on free/reduced school lunch are typically auto-enrolled. Administered by New Jersey DHS.
→ New Jersey state portalHow New Jersey SUN Bucks works
- Amount: $120 per eligible child for summer 2026 (June-August)
- How received: Loaded onto existing EBT card (if family has SNAP) OR a new SUN Bucks card mailed to family
- Spend on: Groceries at SNAP-authorized retailers (no hot food, no restaurants — same rules as SNAP)
- Eligibility: School-age kids 5-18 enrolled in free/reduced-price school meals during the 2025-26 academic year
- Auto-enrollment: New Jersey usually auto-enrolls based on school meal data; no separate application needed for most families
How New Jersey families apply
- If your child gets free/reduced school meals — likely auto-enrolled
- If not auto-enrolled: apply through https://www.njhelps.org/ or call 1-800-687-9512
- Cards mail in late May / early June — watch your mail
- If you don't receive a card by mid-June, call 1-800-687-9512
What if my state opted out?
- Find summer meal sites near me — federal Summer Food Service Program at thousands of free-meal sites
- Apply for regular New Jersey SNAP — covers the whole family year-round
- Use New Jersey food pantries for groceries
- WIC for kids under 5
Frequently asked questions
When do SUN Bucks deposit in New Jersey?
Most states deposit either in 3 monthly $40 chunks (June, July, August) or one $120 lump sum in early June. New Jersey DHS confirms the exact schedule.
Can my kids use SUN Bucks at restaurants?
No — same rules as SNAP. Groceries only. Some farmers markets accept it.
What if I lost the SUN Bucks card?
Call 1-800-687-9512 to report. Replacement card mails in 7-10 business days.
Do older teens (16-18) qualify?
Yes if enrolled in free/reduced-price school meals during 2025-26 academic year, in most states.
Related New Jersey resources
- Summer meals near me (free in-person)
- New Jersey school meals
- New Jersey SNAP application
- New Jersey food pantries
- New Jersey WIC offices
Page operated by Feed America (EIN 92-1761881), 501(c)(3) public charity. Founded 2021 by Sharika Parkes in Houston, TX. Distinct from the larger separately-incorporated Feeding America (EIN 36-3673599, Chicago) — separate organization. New Jersey SUN Bucks administered by New Jersey DHS.