Providers Guide to Summer EBT 2024
Updated 4/22/24
Summer EBT announcement
Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, will provide a total of $120 in food benefits to eligible children each summer.
It is based on Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), which ended in 2023.
Keep reading to learn more about the program, if your state is participating, and if your children might be eligible.
Providers will keep this page up-to-date as we get more information.
Summer EBT FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT is a new program that provides a total of $120/child ($40 per child per month) in food benefits during the summer months.
It aims to reduce child hunger during the summer months, when students lose access to free or reduced-price meals- Who is eligible for Summer EBT?
Children in households at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for Summer EBT.
This could mean receiving:
- SNAP
- Free or reduced-price meals
- TANF
- FDPIR- Medicaid
- What about kids who are homeschooled or go to online school?
Children not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) may still qualify if they are part of other programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid in some states.
- How much will my family receive?
Each child receives a $40 benefit per month, for a total of $120 this summer.
- 1 child: $120
- 2 children: $240
- 3 children: $360
- 3+ children: $120 for each additional child- How do I apply for Summer EBT?
Most children who receive other public benefits will be automatically approved for Summer EBT and do not need to apply. Their state will notify them of their eligibility.
If your family is not automatically approved for Summer EBT you can fill out a simple application (coming soon).- Is Summer EBT the same as P-EBT?
Summer EBT is based on P-EBT (Pandemic EBT), but is not the same program. Last year was the final year of P-EBT.
Summer EBT 2024 participating states, territories, and tribes:
A: American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas
C: California, Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut
D-H: Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii
I-K: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky
M: Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana
N: Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota
O-P: Ohio, Oregon, Osage Nation, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico
R-U: Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah
States not participating in Summer EBT 2024:
Summer EBT will not be available in the following states:
Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
These states may choose to participate in future years.
What is Summer EBT or SUN Bucks?
Summer EBT or SUN Bucks is a new benefit program launched by the USDA. It is based on Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), which ended in 2023. Summer EBT will provide grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with children during the summer months when schools are on break.
Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?
Children in households at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for Summer EBT.
Who needs to apply?
Most children will be automatically approved for Summer EBT and do not need to apply. Their state will notify them of their eligibility. This group includes children who either:
- Are school-aged and receive SNAP, TANF or FDPIR benefits (or Medicaid in some cases)
- Attend a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program (NSLP/SBP) and are approved for Free or Reduced-Price meals
- Are in foster care, in Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of a migrant family
If a family is not automatically approved for Summer EBT and believes their children are income-eligible for the benefit, they fill out a simple application (coming soon).
How much will I receive?
Families will receive a total of $120 per eligible child for the summer period ($40 per month). These benefits can be used at grocery stores, similar to how SNAP benefits are used.
How are SUN Bucks issued?
Depending on your state, SUN Bucks will be issued to your SNAP EBT card or onto a new EBT card that will be mailed to you. The new card may be issued in your child’s name or the parent or guardian’s name.
When does this benefit expire?
SUN Bucks will expire 122 days after the date they are issued to the household's EBT or SUN Bucks card.
Do SUN Bucks affect my food stamps?
No, SUN Bucks will not impact other food benefits. It's extra help on top of any other benefits you or your children might be getting.
Where can I get updates?
We will share more information here as it becomes available!
For now, download the Providers app to stay on top of your benefits.
Do you have questions about Summer EBT?
Email us at summerebt@joinpropel.com and we'll do our best to answer it, and update this post with frequently asked questions:
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