Every summer, millions of families qualify for extra grocery money for their school-age children — and many never claim it simply because they don’t know the program exists or think they don’t qualify.
Does this cost anything?
No. Checking your eligibility and applying is completely free.
Who qualifies?
Households already on SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR are often enrolled automatically. Families whose kids qualify for free or reduced-price school meals may also be eligible.
How is the money given?
As a benefit card you can use to buy groceries at authorized retailers, similar to SNAP/EBT.
Do I need to apply every year?
Some households are enrolled automatically; others need to apply each summer — the next step shows you how to check.
📌 What you’ll find on this page
📋 Which households qualify
💰 How much you could get
🔍 How to check your eligibility
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT (also known as SUN Bucks) is a federal program administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration that provides grocery benefits to families with school-age children during summer break, when free and reduced-price school meals aren’t available.
What does it cover?
- ✓ $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child, for the summer
- ✓ Loaded onto a benefit card usable at authorized grocery retailers
- ✓ Higher amounts in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories
- ✓ One benefit per eligible child in the household
Who can qualify?
- ✓ Households already enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR
- ✓ Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals
- ✓ Families in participating states, Tribes, and territories
| Summary | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free to check and apply |
| Amount | $120 per eligible child |
| Who | SNAP/TANF households, free/reduced meal eligibility |
| Administered by | USDA Food and Nutrition Administration |
In the next step we’ll show you exactly how to check your eligibility and apply.
SEE HOW TO CHECKYou'll stay on this site.