Do I qualify for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)?

Key points

• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) provides extra grocery benefits for eligible school-age children during summer months. In most states the standard benefit is 120 dollars per child per summer, usually issued as 40 dollars per month, with higher amounts in Alaska, Hawaii, and some territories.
• Your state, territory, or Tribal Nation must choose to operate Summer EBT. Even if your family would otherwise qualify, you will not receive benefits if your area does not run the program for that year.
• Children typically qualify in two main ways: by already getting certain benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, or by being eligible for free or reduced price school meals based on household income.
• Children who attend schools that offer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and qualify for free or reduced price meals are usually eligible for Summer EBT if their state participates.
• Summer EBT uses the same income thresholds as free and reduced price school meals, which are tied to federal poverty guidelines. Free meals are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty line, and reduced price meals at 185 percent, with exact dollar amounts updated each year.

If you are unsure where to begin, an Understood Care advocate can help you sort through these rules, check eligibility, and connect you with food programs in your area. You can learn more in How Advocates Help with Food Insecurity and How Healthcare Advocates Help with Nutrition and Food Security.

What is Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)?

Summer EBT is a permanent federal nutrition assistance program run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is designed to help children who usually get free or reduced price meals at school continue to have access to food when school is out for the summer.

Key basics:

• Benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to SNAP (formerly food stamps).
• Families can use these benefits at most grocery stores and many farmers markets that accept EBT.
• You can buy the same kinds of foods allowed under SNAP, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and grains. You generally cannot use Summer EBT for hot prepared foods, pet food, household supplies, alcohol, or tobacco.

In most participating states, the standard benefit is 120 dollars per eligible child for the summer, usually loaded as a lump sum or in a few installments. Some areas with higher food costs, such as Alaska and certain territories, use larger benefit amounts set by USDA.

Two tests for Summer EBT eligibility

To answer “Do I qualify for Summer EBT,” you can think about two main tests:

1. Program test: Does your state, territory, or Tribal Nation participate in Summer EBT this year?
2. Household test: Does your child meet the federal eligibility rules for Summer EBT in that area?

You must pass both for your child to receive benefits.

Does my state, territory, or Tribal Nation participate?

Summer EBT is offered only in areas where the state agency or Tribal Nation has chosen to operate the program and USDA has approved their plan. USDA keeps an interactive map on its SUN Bucks information page that is updated as agencies decide to participate.

On that map you will see:

• States and Tribal Nations that are participating and issuing benefits
• States and Tribal Nations that have announced plans to participate
• States and territories that are not participating in the current year

If you live in a place labeled as not participating, your child will not receive Summer EBT benefits even if your household would otherwise qualify based on income or school meal status.

Because participation can change from year to year, it is important to:

• Check the USDA map for the current year
• Look at your state education or human services website for updates
• Ask your child’s school, local SNAP office, or an advocate if you are not sure

Who qualifies for Summer EBT?

USDA rules focus on school aged children who are missing out on school meals during the summer. Eligibility is based on a child’s age, school enrollment, and whether the household meets certain income or benefit criteria.

There are two broad groups of children who can qualify:

1. Children who are automatically enrolled because they or their household already receive certain benefits
2. Children who are approved through income based eligibility for free or reduced price school meals

Children who qualify automatically through other benefit programs

In participating states, many children will be enrolled in Summer EBT without having to fill out a separate application. This is called streamlined certification.

Children are usually automatically enrolled if they:

• Live in a household that receives SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Are identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care, or are enrolled in certain Head Start programs, and already qualify for free school meals through those statuses
• Live in a household that receives other means tested programs that the state has approval to use for Summer EBT, such as Medicaid in some states

If your child is already getting free meals at school because you receive SNAP or TANF, there is a good chance they will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT when your state participates.

Children who qualify through free or reduced price school meal eligibility

Children can also qualify if they attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and meet income requirements for free or reduced price meals.

Key points:

• Schools use federal income eligibility guidelines to decide who is eligible for free or reduced price meals.
• These guidelines are tied to the federal poverty level, with free meals set at 130 percent of poverty and reduced price meals at 185 percent, adjusted each year.
• Children who have been approved for free or reduced price meals at any point during the school year that overlaps the summer operational period are generally eligible for Summer EBT if their state participates.

In many places, if your child already has an approved school meal application, you will not need to submit a separate Summer EBT application.

Children in special provision schools (CEP and similar)

Some schools serve free meals to all students under special provisions such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or other options where individual meal applications are not collected. USDA guidance allows states to identify eligible children in these schools through administrative data, such as lists of students who are directly certified because of SNAP, TANF, or similar programs.

This means:

• If your child attends a school where every student eats free, they may still qualify for Summer EBT, but they are not automatically eligible just because the school is CEP.
• Your state or Tribal Nation will use direct certification data and, in some cases, applications to decide who meets the income requirements.

Children who are not in NSLP or SBP schools

USDA allows certain children who are not enrolled in schools that participate in NSLP or SBP to qualify through streamlined certification if they are school age and participate in approved assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid (where allowed).

Important details:

• Children who are not enrolled in an NSLP or SBP school cannot qualify for Summer EBT only by filling out a Summer EBT application. They must be school age and certified through another approved program.
• This typically applies to children in homeschool, some private schools, or alternative education programs that do not participate in federal school meal programs.

What counts as “school aged” for Summer EBT?

USDA defines Summer EBT as a program aimed at children who are missing school meals during summer. The rules distinguish between children who are enrolled in NSLP or SBP schools and those who are not.

According to the federal Summer EBT Questions and Answers:

• Children of any age who are enrolled in NSLP or SBP schools can be eligible for Summer EBT if they also qualify for free or reduced price meals. This includes preschool children and students with disabilities who are in school based programs.
• For children who are not enrolled in NSLP or SBP schools, “school age” usually means the years when a child is required to attend school or an equivalent program under state or Tribal compulsory education law.

In practice, this means:

• If your child is enrolled at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program, age is usually less of a barrier as long as they are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
• If your child is not in an NSLP school, they may still qualify if they are within the compulsory school age range for your state and participate in an approved assistance program like SNAP or TANF.

How do Summer EBT income limits work?

Summer EBT uses the same income thresholds that schools use to determine eligibility for free and reduced price meals.

Here is what that means:

• For free meals, household income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for that household size.
• For reduced price meals, household income must be between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
• The dollar amounts change every year on July 1 and are published in the Federal Register and on USDA’s income eligibility guidelines pages.

Schools and state agencies look at:

• Household size, including adults and children who live together and share food expenses
• Total gross income before most deductions, such as earnings from work, Social Security, pensions, or some benefits
• Special rules for certain situations, such as foster children or households with significant medical or shelter costs

Because these details can be technical, it is often easier to:

• Use your state’s online school meal income chart
• Ask the school nutrition office or district
• Talk with an advocate who can help you interpret your income in the context of the guidelines

Do I need to apply, or will my child be enrolled automatically?

This depends on your situation and on how your state runs the program.

You may not need to apply if:

• Your household already receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or another approved program, and your state uses that program for streamlined certification
• Your child is already approved for free or reduced price school meals and your state uses school records to automatically identify eligible children

You may need to submit an application if:

• Your child attends an NSLP school but did not have a free or reduced price meal application on file during the school year
• Your household income has changed and you may now qualify, even if you did not before
• Your state chooses to require a Summer EBT specific application for some families

USDA allows states to collect applications online, by mail, or through schools, and provides guidance on verification and documentation requirements.

If you receive a letter or notice saying your child is eligible, keep it with your records. If you believe your child should qualify but did not receive benefits, your state must offer a way to ask for reconsideration or appeal.

What can I buy with Summer EBT benefits?

Summer EBT benefits follow rules similar to SNAP for what you can buy.

You can usually buy:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for your household

You generally cannot use Summer EBT to buy:

• Hot foods ready to eat
• Alcohol or tobacco
• Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
• Pet foods
• Household supplies, paper products, or personal care items

If your child already uses an EBT card for SNAP, some states will load Summer EBT benefits onto the same card. Other states may issue a separate card. You will receive instructions from your state agency on how to activate and use the card and how long the benefits will remain available before they are removed if unused.

Can my child get Summer EBT and other summer meal programs?

Yes. USDA explains that Summer EBT is intended to work alongside other child nutrition programs, not replace them.

This means eligible children can often:

• Receive Summer EBT benefits
• Eat free meals at summer meal sites or through programs that send meals or meal boxes home
• Continue using SNAP or other food assistance if they qualify

If you can safely get to a summer meal site, those meals can help stretch your Summer EBT benefits so they last longer.

Common situations and what they may mean

Every family is different. The rules below are general and may vary by state.

Grandparents or other relatives raising children
If the child lives with you and you are responsible for their food and care, the child may still qualify for Summer EBT based on your household income or current benefits, even if the child’s parents do not live in the home.

Shared custody or children who move between households
Summer EBT rules focus on the household where the child actually lives and eats most of the time. Only one household can receive Summer EBT benefits for each eligible child. States use definitions of “household” and “economic unit” similar to those used in school meal programs and SNAP.

Immigration status concerns
Eligibility for Summer EBT is tied to a child’s school meal status or participation in other programs. Many school meal programs do not require Social Security numbers for children, and using school meals does not count against immigration “public charge” decisions. However, immigration related consequences can be complex. For personalized advice, it is best to speak with an immigration legal aid organization.

Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities who attend NSLP or SBP schools may qualify for Summer EBT on the same basis as other students if they are eligible for free or reduced price meals. The Summer EBT Q and A clarifies that students who are mentally or physically disabled and attending school based programs can be eligible, including older students beyond typical graduation ages when they remain in special education or transition programs.

How advocates can help you navigate Summer EBT

The rules for Summer EBT, school meals, SNAP, and other programs can feel overwhelming, especially if you are also managing chronic health conditions, caregiving duties, or limited mobility.

Understood Care advocates can:

• Help you understand whether your state participates in Summer EBT
• Review your current benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid and explain how they relate to Summer EBT
• Walk you through completing school meal or Summer EBT applications
• Coordinate with your child’s school or district if paperwork is missing or needs to be updated
• Connect you with additional programs such as SNAP, senior meal programs, or local food banks if Summer EBT is not available where you live

If you are skipping meals, stretching food at the end of the month, or worried about your ability to feed the children in your home, you do not have to figure all of this out alone. An advocate can help you build a plan that includes both federal programs and local resources.

You can read more about this support in How Advocates Help with Food Insecurity and How Healthcare Advocates Help with Nutrition and Food Security.

When to reach out for more help

You may want to talk with an advocate or benefits counselor if:

• You are unsure whether your state participates in Summer EBT
• Your child receives free or reduced price meals but did not get Summer EBT benefits
• Your income changed and you are not sure if you now qualify
• You are overwhelmed by applications for SNAP, school meals, or other nutrition programs

Support is available by phone and online, and you can bring a trusted caregiver to help you keep track of information.

FAQ: Summer EBT eligibility and common questions

• Who is eligible for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)?
  In participating states and Tribal Nations, school aged children generally qualify if they are eligible for free or reduced price school meals or live in households that receive programs such as SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or certain Medicaid based certifications, as long as the child meets other federal and state program rules.
• Do I qualify for Summer EBT if I already get SNAP?
  If your state participates in Summer EBT and your household receives SNAP, your school aged children are usually automatically enrolled, and Summer EBT benefits may be loaded on the same EBT card that you already use for groceries.
• Does my child have to be in public school to get Summer EBT?
  Not always. Children in private schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program can qualify in similar ways to public school students. Children who are homeschooled or in schools that do not participate in NSLP or SBP may qualify only if they are school age and certified through other approved programs such as SNAP or TANF.
• What are the income limits for Summer EBT?
  Summer EBT uses the same income limits as free and reduced price school meals. Free meals are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level and reduced price meals at 185 percent, with exact income amounts updated every year and adjusted for household size.
• Do I need to apply for Summer EBT, or will it happen automatically?
  Many children are automatically enrolled if they are already approved for free or reduced price meals or live in households that receive SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR. Other families may need to submit a school meal application or a Summer EBT specific application, depending on state policy. Your school district or state agency will explain which process applies.
• Can my child receive Summer EBT and still eat at free summer meal sites?
  Yes. Children who qualify can use Summer EBT for groceries and still receive free or low cost meals from other USDA summer meal programs. These programs are designed to work together to reduce child hunger when school is not in session.
• What if my state does not participate in Summer EBT?
  If your state, territory, or Tribal Nation is not operating Summer EBT for the current year, your child cannot receive Summer EBT benefits. An advocate can still help you explore SNAP, local food banks, senior nutrition programs, or other resources that might reduce your food costs.
• How long do Summer EBT benefits last on the card?
  States must follow federal rules for when benefits expire if not used. Many states set an expiration date several months after benefits are issued. If you receive an EBT card, your notice or welcome packet should explain exactly how long you have to spend the benefits.
• Does it matter which adult in the household applies or receives the card?
  Summer EBT focuses on the household where the child lives and shares meals. Usually, the adult who is considered the head of household or who applied for SNAP or school meals receives the EBT card. Only one household can receive Summer EBT for each eligible child.
• What should I do if I think my child should qualify but did not get benefits?
  Start by contacting the phone number or website listed in your state’s Summer EBT notices or on your state agency page. Ask how to check your child’s status and whether there is an appeal or reconsideration process. Bringing school meal approval letters, SNAP notices, or proof of income to an advocate can make it easier to troubleshoot.

References

1. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program overview and state participation map. Available at:
   https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks
2. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Summer EBT Questions and Answers (SEBT Q&As). Updated December 31, 2024. Available at:
   https://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource-files/sebt-qas-123124.pdf
3. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Summer EBT Fiscal Year 2024 Benefit Levels. Available at:
   https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/2024-benefit-levels
4. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Income Eligibility Guidelines for school meals. Available at:
   https://www.fns.usda.gov/schoolmeals/income-eligibility-guidelines
5. Federal Register. Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines for the 2025–2026 school year, including Summer EBT benefits. Available at:
   https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/13/2025-03821/child-nutrition-programs-income-eligibility-guidelines
6. USDA Economic Research Service. National School Lunch Program overview and income eligibility information. Available at:
   https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/child-nutrition-programs/national-school-lunch-program
7. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP Eligibility for recipients. Available at:
   https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
8. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP Special Rules for the Elderly or Disabled. Available at:
   https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility/elderly-disabled-special-rules
9. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program overview. Available at:
   https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
10. USDA. Food Assistance Programs overview of federal nutrition assistance. Available at:
    https://www.usda.gov/about-food/food-assistance-programs

Educational disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It is based on federal regulations and USDA guidance available at the time of writing. Program rules, income limits, and participating states can change. For advice about your specific situation, always check with your child’s school, your state or Tribal agency, or a qualified benefits counselor.