Summer is already here, and with it come new benefits for many American families. This year, millions of children will receive support from SUN Bucks, a program that aims to ensure that the youngest ones have access to healthy food during school vacations. However, not everyone knows the details of how it works and who qualifies to receive this benefit.
Through this program, the federal government provides up to $40 per month per child during June, July, and August. In this article, we explain in detail how to access the benefits, who qualifies, and what types of food you can purchase with them.
What are SUN Bucks and how do they work?
The SUN Bucks program is the summer version of the EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) system, promoted by the USDA. Its goal is for children to keep having access to nutritious food even when they're not in school. The funds provided can be used at a wide variety of stores and markets that accept SNAP.
This benefit provides $40 per month per child, which totals $120 (102.1 EUR) over the entire summer. This amount is intended to help eligible families cover their food needs during the months when children don't have access to school lunch or breakfast.
Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?
Automatically enrolled families: Households that already receive benefits through programs such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid are eligible for this benefit. The same applies to those who participate in the free or reduced-price school meals program. If your family meets these requirements, the benefits will be granted without the need for you to complete an additional enrollment.
Direct enrollment: If you're not part of these programs, you can still apply for SUN Bucks through the state or tribal program. It's important that you check with local authorities to find out how you can apply for these benefits.
How much will you receive in July 2025 from the SUN Bucks program?
For July 2025, the standard amount for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia is $40 per child. However, in territories with a higher cost of living, such as Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, the amounts may be higher.
Remember that $40 per month is the maximum provided in most states. This makes the program an essential tool for many families looking for ways to stretch their money during the hot summer months.
How and where can you use SUN Bucks money?
The SUN Bucks benefit is loaded onto a SUN Bucks EBT card, which can be separate from or linked to SNAP. This card already works similarly to a debit card, and it can be used at supermarkets, farmers' markets, and online stores such as Amazon or Walmart.
It's important to keep in mind that it can't be used to buy prepared food, hygiene products, medicines, or pet food. The money must be used exclusively for unprocessed foods.
Additionally, the cards have a limited usage period. The funds expire 122 days after being deposited, so it's essential for beneficiaries to spend the money before the expiration date to avoid losing it.