$120 SUN Bucks Summer Food Program: Ah, summer time for vacations, swimming pools, and of course. The headache of feeding hungry children three times a day. With schools shut down, millions of low- income families in US suddenly lose access to free or discounted meals their kids get during the school years. But fear not, tired parents- summer EBT, also know as SUN Bucks, is here with some much- needed relief.
This $120 SUN Bucks Summer Food Program is designed to help families buy groceries during summer break when school meals are not available. And no, it’s not too good to be true. Eligible families receive 120 dollar per child, and that money goes straight into their EBT (electronic benefits transfer) accounts. let’s break this down and make it as simple (and a little fun) as possible.
What is Summer EBT or SUN bucks?
Think of It as summer food money. The summer EBT programme helps low- income families buy food for their children during summer break. Each eligible child gets 120 dollars as a one-time payment to buy food. This is to make sure that children still get nutritious meals even when school is closed.
The best part? You don’t have to run around hunting free food vans or worry about paperwork if you’re already receiving other benefits
$120 SUN Bucks Summer Food Program Eligibility
The government tried to keep it simple- but not too simple. Here’s a quick look at who can get the summer EBT:
| Eligible Automatically | Need to Apply |
| Kids who receive SNAP (food stamps) | Kids who go to schools with NSLP but aren’t in SNAP |
| Kids on Medicaid or Cash Assistance | Families earning under 185% of Federal Poverty Level |
| Kids in NSLP schools | Those not getting automatic benefits |
So, if your child already receives free meals during the school year or your families receive SNAP, cash, or Medicaid benefits- congratulations. You’re probably already in.
But if not, don’t cry over spilled milk- just apply, the only thing you need is proof that your income is under 185% of the federal poverty Level (FPL) that means, for example:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (Approx.) |
| 2 | $3,041 |
| 3 | $3,833 |
| 4 | $4,625 |
| 5 | $5,417 |
How will you get the money?
Now let’s talk cash- well, not actual cash. Here’s how the benefit gets to you:
| Already Have EBT (SNAP/Cash)? | The $120 per child is added to your existing card. |
| New to EBT? | A new card is mailed to your registered address. |
No secret passwords, no hidden quests. Just a smooth 120 dollars per child, sent once for the summer. Simple and efficient (finally, a government thing that work fast).
How to use SUN Bucks?
The money just like SNAP benefits. You get an EBT card and use it like a debit card at grocery stores. But, as usual, there are rules. You can’t buy sodas and chips in bulk for your Netflix nights.
| Can Buy | Cannot Buy |
| Fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs | Hot foods, alcohol, cigarettes |
| Meat, poultry, grains | Non-food items (soap, diapers) |
Also, here’s a friendly reminder: use your SUN bucks within 122 days. If you forget and let them expire, well that’s money down the drain.
Does this affect other programs?
Short answer: nope.
- You can still get SNAP
- You can still join WIC
- Your kid can still go to a summer meal programme at school or a local community center.
Basically, you can stack these benefits like pancakes. So don’t skip any options just because you already got SUN bucks. No one’s judging- just feed those kiddos.
What if I am not a citizen?
Here’s where the government surprise us again (in a good way): there is No citizenship requirement for this program. Also receiving this benefit does not affect your public charge status.
So, if you’re worried that signing up might affect your immigration process- relax. SUN bucks is on those rare gifts you can accept without any side effects.
How to apply For $120 SUN Bucks Summer Food Program?
If you didn’t get benefits automatically, don’t panic. Most states offer a simple online form where you can check eligibility and apply. Tools like the summer EBT screener help you figure out if your child qualifies.
Once you apply. The system checks your income and school information. Make sure:
- Your address is correct (for receiving)
- Your upload the right income documents
- You respond to follow-ups if needed
If you re in Illinois, for example you will go through IDHS (Illinois department of human services). Each state has its own system, so just visit your state’s EBT or benefits website.
SUN Bucks programme coverage
The SUN Bucks program officially started in 2024, and it’s already growing fast.
| Year | States Participating |
| 2024 | Fewer than 30 |
| 2025 | 43 states + territories |
Some states still said” no thanks” (Maybe they enjoy making parenting harder), but most are on board, this is a permanent programme now- unlike the pandemic EBT, which ended in 2023.