Starting in June, sixteen jurisdictions will begin distributing Summer EBT benefits, also known as “SUN Bucks,” aimed at helping low-income families with food purchases during the summer school break.
What Are Summer EBT Benefits?
The program provides $120 per eligible child to assist with food costs when school meals are unavailable. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projected that about 21 million children would benefit from this program, totaling nearly $2.5 billion in support.
The program covers 35 states, five U.S. territories, and four tribal nations, with more states joining in subsequent months.
Who Qualifies for Summer SNAP Benefits?
Most recipients are already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). By 2025, 37 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories will participate in Summer EBT.
Children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and participants in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations also qualify automatically.
No additional paperwork is generally required, but beneficiaries are encouraged to contact local SNAP offices if they have questions.
How Are Summer EBT Benefits Delivered?
Summer EBT funds are distributed in three ways, depending on state rules:
- Loaded onto the recipient’s existing SNAP EBT card
- Added to a summer EBT card used in previous years
- Issuing a new summer EBT card mailed to the participant’s address
The states distributing “SUN Bucks” in June include Alabama, California, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Other states will begin distributing benefits from July onward.
SNAP Maximum Monthly Benefits for 2025
Through September 30, 2025, SNAP maximum monthly benefits for households in the contiguous U.S. and D.C. are:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- Each additional person: +$220
What Can You Buy with SNAP and Summer EBT?
Funds can be used to buy eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, meats, and poultry.
Purchases of non-food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hot prepared meals are prohibited.