SUN Bucks Program 2025: The SUN Bucks Program 2025, also known as Summer EBT, is active and currently helping millions of families across the United States. The program provides a one-time grocery benefit of $120 per eligible child to ensure children continue receiving nutritious food when school cafeterias close for the summer. With food insecurity affecting millions of households each year, the SUN Bucks initiative plays a vital role in supporting children’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, community worker, or healthcare provider, understanding this program—and whether your family qualifies—can make a significant difference.
SUN Bucks Program 2025
The SUN Bucks Program 2025 is a critical safety net for families across the U.S. during the summer months. By offering a one-time $120 benefit per child, the program ensures that kids have access to the food they need for healthy development even when school is out. Automatic enrollment for eligible households makes the process seamless, but it’s still important to check your state’s status, deadlines, and application instructions—especially if your child is not enrolled in SNAP or school meal programs. Nutrition shouldn’t stop when the school year ends. With SUN Bucks, it doesn’t have to.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Status | Active in most U.S. states, territories, and tribal nations |
| Benefit Amount | One-time $120 per eligible child |
| Eligibility | Children in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, Medicaid (≤185% FPL), or approved for free/reduced-price meals |
| Application Requirement | Most are automatically enrolled; some may need to apply through state-specific portals |
| Distribution Method | Prepaid EBT cards mailed or loaded onto existing EBT cards |
| Benefit Expiration | 122 days from date of issuance |
| Non-Participating States | Florida, Texas, Wyoming (as of 2025) |
| Official Website | USDA SUN Bucks |
What Is the SUN Bucks Program?
SUN Bucks (Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer or Summer EBT) is a USDA program developed to provide nutrition support to children during the summer. Typically, students who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals may face food insecurity during summer vacation.
To bridge this gap, SUN Bucks gives families $120 per child in grocery benefits for the summer months. These funds can be spent on groceries that promote a healthy, balanced diet. The program reduces pressure on household budgets while improving childhood nutrition outcomes.
Who Is Eligible for SUN Bucks?
Children are automatically eligible if they:
- Are in households receiving:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
- Medicaid (if household income is ≤185% of the federal poverty level)
- Attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and have been approved for free or reduced-price meals
- Are enrolled in federally supported programs like Head Start, are migrant children, in foster care, or experiencing homelessness
If your child does not meet any of these conditions, you can still apply based on household income. Most states provide an online application portal for this.
Where Is SUN Bucks Available?
As of 2025, the majority of U.S. states and territories have opted into the program. However, Florida, Texas, and Wyoming have chosen not to participate in SUN Bucks 2025. A few tribal nations and U.S. territories also run equivalent programs or distribute benefits through alternate systems.
How to Apply for SUN Bucks Program 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check for Automatic Enrollment
If your child already receives free or reduced-price school meals or your household receives SNAP/TANF/FDPIR/Medicaid, you don’t need to apply. Your state will automatically enroll you.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
If unsure, use your state’s eligibility checker (like the North Carolina SUN Bucks Application Portal) to verify.
Step 3: Submit an Application (if needed)
States may require an application if the child doesn’t qualify automatically. This typically involves:
- Proof of income
- School information
- Household composition
Step 4: Receive Your EBT Card
Benefits are either loaded onto an existing SNAP EBT card or a new SUN Bucks card will be mailed to your address.
Step 5: Spend and Track Benefits
SUN Bucks can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits. Be sure to spend within 122 days of receiving the funds.
What Can SUN Bucks Be Used For?
You can use your SUN Bucks funds to buy groceries that qualify under the SNAP EBT program. These include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
You cannot use SUN Bucks to buy:
- Hot or prepared foods
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Pet food
- Household supplies or vitamins
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of SUN Bucks?
The program helps families buy nutritious food for children during summer when school meals aren’t available.
Do I need to apply?
If your child is already eligible for programs like SNAP or free/reduced lunch, enrollment is automatic. Others may need to apply through their state’s application portal.
When will the benefits be available?
Most states will distribute SUN Bucks between mid-May and early June 2025.
What happens if I don’t use the money?
You must use your SUN Bucks within 122 days from when they are loaded onto your card. After that, the funds will expire.
Can I use my regular SNAP EBT card?
Yes. If your family already has an EBT card, your SUN Bucks may be added directly to it.
Is this a one-time benefit?
Yes. For 2025, SUN Bucks is a one-time summer benefit of $120 per child.
Where can I get help if I have questions?
Visit your state’s Department of Human Services website, call the number on your EBT card, or check the USDA SUN Bucks website.
