Millions of low-income families across the U.S. are set to receive $120 in SNAP-style benefits per child this summer. This initiative is through a new federal program known as SUN Bucks or Summer EBT. It is part of a national effort to ensure that children don’t go hungry during summer break because schools will be closed, and there will be no school meals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that in 2025, the SUN Bucks program will benefit about 21 million children across 38 states, five U.S. territories, and several tribal nations. The program is projected to cost approximately $2.5 billion in benefits.
What is the SUN Bucks Program
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, branded as SUN Bucks, pays a one-time $120 grocery benefit per eligible school-aged child. These funds are disbursed through an EBT card, which is similar to a debit card and can only be used at authorized retailers, including major grocery stores and farmers markets that accept SNAP.
The aim of the program is to replace school meals during the summer months when kids are not in school. This program is helpful for many needy families whose children risk going hungry or being deprived of nutritious food.
Who Is Eligible for Sun Bucks?
Children are automatically eligible for enrollment into SUN Bucks if they:
- Receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations), or Medicaid (in states that use Medicaid for income eligibility).
- Attend a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program, and qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
A child who is not automatically enrolled in this program can still qualify. Households can apply through their state Summer EBT or SUN Bucks portal if they meet the income requirements explained above.
Distribution of SUN Bucks
The distribution timelines for SUN Bucks will vary by state. Some states will begin issuing benefits as early as May, while others will begin in June. The payments are likely to be spread in three installments of $40 each. Families will have 122 days to use their SUN Bucks from the day they were issued, after which they expire.
How SUN Bucks Can Be Used
SUN Bucks can be used just like regular SNAP benefits to purchase nutritious food and groceries. Non-food items, vitamins, supplements, alcohol, and hot prepared foods cannot be purchased using SUN Bucks.
Full List of States and Territories Sending SUN Bucks in 2025
The following 38 states are participating in the 2025 SUN Bucks program:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
In addition, all five U.S. territories are included:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
Several tribal nations are also participating in the 2025 SUN Bucks program:
- Cherokee Nation
- Chickasaw Nation
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Muscogee (Creek) Nation
- Otoe-Missouria Tribe
States Not Participating in No SUN Bucks
Unfortunately, 14 states are not participating in SUN Bucks for 2025:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma (though certain tribal nations within the state are participating)
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wyoming
How to Know if Your Family Qualifies for SUN Bucks
To find out whether you qualify and when you’ll receive your benefit:
- Check your state’s SUN Bucks or Summer EBT portal.
- If your child is not auto-enrolled, apply directly through your state or tribal agency.
- Use the benefit within 122 days of receiving it to avoid losing unused funds.
Data and participation list based on USDA’s official Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program updates for 2025.