Starting in June, 16 jurisdictions across the United States will begin distributing Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) benefits, also known as SUN Bucks, to help low-income families cover food costs during the summer months when school meals are not available. Eligible children will receive $120 in benefits to purchase food, which is especially crucial for families struggling with food insecurity during the school break.
How the Summer EBT Program Works
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects the program to reach 21 million children in 2024, with a total distribution of approximately $2.5 billion. The initiative is part of a broader expansion to provide assistance to families who rely on school meals during the school year but face additional challenges during the summer.
By 2025, 37 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories will participate in this program. The Summer EBT program is designed to ease the burden on families by providing funds through several different distribution methods, depending on the state. These methods include:
- Adding the funds to an existing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) EBT card.
- Loading the funds onto a Summer EBT card from the previous year.
- Mailing out a new Summer EBT card to eligible families.
The goal is to ensure that all households already receiving SNAP benefits will automatically qualify for Summer EBT, with no additional paperwork required. If you have questions about your eligibility, it’s recommended to contact your local SNAP office for confirmation.
States Participating in June 2025
The following 16 jurisdictions will begin distributing SUN Bucks in June 2025:
- Alabama
- District of Columbia
- California
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
For the remaining states, the distribution will begin in July 2025.
Eligibility for Summer EBT
To qualify for Summer EBT benefits, you must already be participating in SNAP or another qualifying program. Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), children participating in free or reduced-price school meal programs, or those receiving benefits through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations are automatically eligible.
SNAP Benefit Maximums for 2025:
For fiscal year 2025, the maximum SNAP benefit amounts are:
- 1-person household: $292
- 2-person household: $536
- 3-person household: $768
- 4-person household: $975
- 5-person household: $1,158
- 6-person household: $1,390
- 7-person household: $1,536
- 8-person household: $1,756
- Each additional person: +$220
These amounts apply in the 48 contiguous U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
What Can You Buy with SNAP and Summer EBT Benefits?
Both SNAP and Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Grains
- Meats and poultry
However, there are restrictions on what can be bought using benefits:
- Non-food items and personal hygiene products are not allowed.
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco are prohibited.
- Hot meals prepared at the point of sale are excluded.
Takeaway
For families already receiving SNAP, you don’t need to do anything extra to qualify for Summer EBT benefits. Simply wait for the funds to be distributed, which will be added to your EBT card, sent to you via mail, or added to your previous year’s Summer EBT card.
If you have any questions or concerns about eligibility or the distribution process, don’t hesitate to contact your local SNAP office for assistance.