How to apply for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Social

Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, provides a total of $120 in food benefits to eligible children each summer.

Its purpose is to reduce child hunger during the summer months, when students lose access to free or reduced-price meals. It is similar to the previous Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program — which ended in 2023 — but has a few changes.

Do I need to apply for Summer EBT?

Most children will be automatically approved for Summer EBT and do not need to apply. The state will notify them of their eligibility, and then send them benefits. This automatic 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 you're not sure if you need to apply or will get Summer EBT automatically, use this eligibility checker to find out.

If a family is NOT automatically approved for Summer EBT and meets the income requirements, they will need to fill out an application.

Where can I apply for Summer EBT?

Arkansas

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Email the completed application to SummerEBT@dhs.arkansas.gov or drop it off at your local DHS county office.
  • Deadline: August 26

Arizona

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Not specified, apply as soon as possible.
  • Deadline: Not specified

California

  • Application link: Contact your child's school for an application.
  • Instructions: Submit an application through the school.
  • Deadline: August 31

Colorado

  • Application link: Call 800.536.5298 to apply.
  • Instructions: Call the Summer EBT Support Center to discuss eligibility before applying. The Support Center can submit an application for you.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Connecticut

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 31

District of Columbia

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 25

Delaware

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply online or complete a paper application and return it to the Division of Social Services.
  • Deadline: August 30

Hawaii

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 4

Illinois

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Visit abe.illinois.gov and click on the Summer EBT option.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Indiana

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 16

Kansas

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply through the DCF's online self-service portal.
  • Deadline: Applications are open August 12 - September 11

Kentucky

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 15

Louisiana

  • Application link: Not available yet.
  • Instructions: Applications open late August.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Massachusetts

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: September 7

Maryland

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 31

Maine

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Email completed application forms to SUN-Bucks.DHHS@Maine.gov.
  • Deadline: August 15

Michigan

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Email completed application forms to MDHHS-SEBT@Michigan.gov.
  • Deadline: August 31

Minnesota

  • Application link: Contact your child's school for an application.
  • Instructions: Submit an application through the school.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Missouri

  • Application link: Not available yet.
  • Instructions: Not available yet.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Montana

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Apply via the state's free or reduced-price meal application.
  • Deadline: August 25

North Carolina

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 31

North Dakota

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Nebraska

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 31

New Jersey

  • Application link: Available online via your child’s school district website.
  • Instructions: Contact your child's school for a paper application.
  • Deadline: Not specified

New Mexico

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 15

Nevada

  • Application link: Not available yet.
  • Instructions: Not available yet.
  • Deadline: Not specified

New York

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: September 3

Ohio

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Oregon

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: September 2

Pennsylvania

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Return the completed application form to your local assistance office.
  • Deadline: August 31

Rhode Island

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 31

Tennessee

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Access the Summer EBT Parent Portal through the One DHS Customer Portal.
  • Deadline: Not specified

Virginia

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Mail completed applications to Virginia SUN Bucks, c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Applications cannot be emailed or faxed.
  • Deadline: August 30

Vermont

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process or call 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7) to request a paper application.
  • Deadline: September 4

Washington

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 31

Wisconsin

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Follow the online application process.
  • Deadline: August 29

West Virginia

  • Application link: Apply here
  • Instructions: Access the Summer EBT application at schoolcafe.com.
  • Deadline: Not specified