A great number of youngsters who are dependent on free or low-cost meals at school are deprived of access to those resources over the summer months. The Summer EBT program, which is also referred to as Sun Bucks in certain states, was developed in order to assist in filling that gap. This effort, which is supported by the USDA, offers additional financial assistance to families in order to assist them in purchasing food during the school holiday. Families have the opportunity to receive $120 for each child, which is equivalent to $40 per month for the months of June, July, and August.
Who Automatically Qualifies?
Certain families are automatically eligible for the Summer EBT program. In the event that your child is a member of a family that is already receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Medicaid, then it is highly probable that they are eligible for these programs. The Summer EBT program is also open to children who are enrolled in schools that are part of the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program and who receive meals at no cost or at a reduced cost. This makes them immediately eligible for the program.
Nevertheless, there are situations in which families who fulfil particular income standards could still be required to submit an application. To be more specific, children who are living in households with incomes that are at or below 185% of the federal poverty threshold are eligible for this program. This indicates that the annual income of a family consisting of three people is less than $47,767.
Who Should Apply for the Summer EBT Program?
Even if your child does not automatically qualify for the program, you should still submit an application if the income of your home is below the threshold, which is 185% of the federal poverty level. As an illustration, a family consisting of three individuals and with an annual income of less than $47,767 would be eligible. When it comes to applying, the procedure varies from state to state. Schools or government agencies such as CalFresh or Medical are responsible for the application process in locations like California, where it is handled locally.
What’s Happening in Different States?
- Illinois: For those who automatically qualify, deposits began between May 19 and 26, 2025.
- New York: Eligibility letters were sent out starting June 2, with deposits available from June 18. If you haven’t received your benefits by August 1, it’s best to call 1-833-452-0096.
- California: New EBT cards are either sent or loaded onto existing cards in June, with the full $120 available from the start of the month.
- Michigan: Michigan began loading $120 onto existing cards or sending new ones in May. The deadline to apply for May benefits was April 15, but the application period remains open until August 31.
- Recommendation: Make sure to check your EBT account or contact your local agency for updates. Some states send out letters or notify recipients by phone or text.
What Can You Buy with Summer EBT Coupons?
Summer EBT can be used for a variety of healthy foods. Eligible items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and dairy
- Cereal, bread, and beans
- Juices
However, there are restrictions. The program cannot be used to buy:
- Hot prepared foods (even if they are not hot at the time of purchase)
- Household products
- Personal hygiene items
- Alcoholic beverages or pet food
How Can You Check If Your Beneficiary Has Received the Summer EBT Money?
The USDA estimates that benefits will be fully distributed by September 30, 2025. If you’re unsure whether you’ve received your Summer EBT benefits, you have several options to check:
- EBT Statement: Call the number on your card to check your balance and transaction history.
- State Portals: Some states, like Illinois, use online portals (such as “abrirbe.gov”), while others, like California, send letters with details. Washington also offers text alerts.
- Mobile Apps: Apps like Propel allow you to check your balance, view your transaction history, and get updates on deposits.
You now have a better understanding of the Summer EBT program, including what it is, who is eligible for it, when you may anticipate receiving your deposit, and how to make use of the benefits. At this point, you are able to easily maximize the benefits of your Summer EBT program.
