The Summer EBT program, which is often referred to as SUN Bucks, offers food benefits totaling $120 to children who are eligible for the program throughout the summer months. The assistance is intended to tackle the issue of child hunger during times when schools are closed and pupils are deprived of the opportunity to receive free or reduced-price meals.
Due to the fact that this program was so successful, it will be offered again during the summer of 2025 in the majority of the states and territories that make up the United States of America.
The recipients will receive $120 for each child who is eligible for the program, which is equivalent to $40 per month throughout the summer. These benefits can be utilized at supermarkets and retailers that accept EBT, similar as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
How and when are Summer EBT benefits delivered?
There are three different ways that benefits might be distributed, depending on the state:
- On the household’s existing EBT card
- On the same Summer EBT card used in 2024
- In a new Summer EBT card sent by mail
Between the end of May and the beginning of June 2025, the majority of states will start depositing benefits. Additionally, benefits are only valid for 122 days after they are issued, and if they are associated with a regular EBT card in addition to SNAP benefits, the summer benefits will be utilized first when making payments.
What can you buy with Summer EBT?
As is the case with SNAP, the products that are permitted include the following:
- Fruits and vegetables that are either fresh, frozen, or tinned
- Meat, fish, and fowl are all included.
- Products derived from dairy
- Cereals, bread, and beans, either dried or tinned
- Drinks and snacks that are soft
To add insult to injury, it is not allowed to purchase non-food things such as diapers, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or prepared foods. This is something that should be brought to your attention.
Which states are participating in Summer EBT 2025?
Alphabetical list of the states and territories that will participate in EBT 2025:
- A: Alabama, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas
- California, Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Chocktaw Nation of Oklahoma, Colorado, Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut
- D-H: Delaware, Washington D.C., Guam, Hawaii
- I-L: Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana
- M: Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Muscogee Creek Nation
- N: Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota
- O-P: Ohio, Oregon, Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico
- R-Z: Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia
List of states and territories that will not participate in Summer EBT 2025:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wyoming
It should be noted that these states could join in future years, but are not currently expected to deliver benefits this summer.