The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has announced the full list of states, tribes and territories that will participate in the SUN Bucks program. This benefit is designed to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients with school-age children by providing up to $120 per child during the summer.
S-EBT Benefits — SUN Bucks Program
The SUN Bucks program aims to support families with children receiving SNAP benefits by allowing them to purchase healthy foods during the summer months. The maximum amount that can be received per child is $120.
Depending on the state, some beneficiaries may receive this benefit automatically, while others will have to apply for it directly. SUN Bucks funds can be used to purchase a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, bread, cereals, dairy, snacks and soft drinks.
States Participating in the SUN Bucks Program
Below is the full list of states that are already participating in the SUN Bucks program this summer:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois (SNAP/TANF)
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York (P-EBT)
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin (P-EBT)
Let’s consider that although states such as Nevada, Missouri, and New Hampshire plan to join the program, they will not be ready for this summer yet, so SNAP recipients in these states will have to wait a little longer to access the $120 SUN Bucks.
Taxes and Participating Territories
In addition to the states, several tribes and territories have also adopted the SUN Bucks program. Here is the list of those who are currently participating:
- American Samoa (paper coupons)
- CNMI (paper coupons)
- District of Columbia
- Guam (P-EBT)
- Puerto Rico (NAP)
- Among the tribes, the Cherokee Nation and Chickasaw in Oklahoma have decided to join the program, providing this additional benefit to their communities.
USDA Recommendations
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends SNAP benefits recipients to check other SUN programs if SUN Bucks is not available in their state. Alternative options include the SUN Meal and SUN Meals To-Go, which can provide additional nutritional support during the summer. In some cases, beneficiaries may receive an additional EBT card specifically for SUN Bucks.
Eligibility Criteria for the SUN Bucks
To be eligible to receive the $120 SUN Bucks, children must meet the following criteria:
- Be between the ages of 5 and 18 and have received SNAP or TANF at any time between July 1, 2023 and March 22, 2024.
- Attend a public school, or a private school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Be enrolled in preschool, elementary, middle or high school, or be adult learners.
- Household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, which for a family of four is equivalent to $55,500 annually.
If a child meets these criteria, they will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. If you are not automatically enrolled, you can submit a direct application for the program.
Using the EBT Card
Once enrolled, each eligible student will receive $120 for the summer, preloaded on an EBT card. This card works like a debit card and can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food at supermarkets, farmers markets, and online retailers that accept SNAP.
