Summer EBT 2026: Who Gets It, When & How Much

Families with eligible children may get an extra budget boost over the summer courtesy of the SUNBucks or Summer EBT program. This program provides $120 in bonus EBT benefits per child during the summertime (although some areas like Alaska and Hawaii may receive more).

Let’s talk about who qualifies, how much you can get, when that money will be available for you and how to apply.

Who Qualifies for Summer EBT?

Your children might be able to get Summer EBT if you live in a participating state and at least ONE of the following applies:

• They receive free or reduced-price school meals during the school year; OR
• Their school offers a program where all students get free meals, regardless of income; OR
• Your family income falls within the income guidelines for the free or reduced price school meal program (even if your child isn’t currently getting those school meals)

The USDA has stated that children who are enrolled in private or homeschool may also be eligible for Summer EBT if they are participate in other means-tested programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or certain Medicaid programs. If that describes your child, you will need to fill out a program application.

To make it easier for you, we’ve put a list of participating states, regions and tribes below (as well as their expected disbursement dates since it varies by state).

How Much Summer EBT Can You Get?

Qualifying children will receive $120 in most areas. This base amount s calculated at a rate of $40 per month per child, but the USDA has said that schools cannot prorate that for partial months and must provide the full three-month rate for all eligible children.

If you live in certain areas, the Summer EBT amount is higher. Here are the current rates, according to the USDA’s most recent press release.

Please note that the Territories line includes Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

When Will We Get Summer EBT?

Not everyone gets their Summer EBT benefits at the same time. That’s because each state will set their own distribution schedule for Summer EBT benefits. Some process them faster than others.

Here are the distribution dates we’ve been able to confirm:

How to Apply for Summer EBT

Most children who are eligible for Summer EBT should receive it automatically. This includes children who receive benefits from other programs like SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. Many states automatically enroll children who receive free or reduced price student meals and others, also.

However, some children are not automatically enrolled. If your child is eligible and you’re not sure if they are automatically enrolled, you should call their school office or school district office to confirm.

If you need to apply on your own, you can usually apply online or through a paper application. You will need to contact your state’s Social Services department (that’s the one that administers SNAP) for more information.

The USDA has stated that every household must have the chance to apply for Summer EBT at any point between the start of the school year and the end of the summer operating period. It’s best to as early as possible so your benefits are not delayed.

Summer EBT Tips

There are a few other things you need to know about the Summer EBT program. This information as gleaned from studying the USDA’s information about this program.

• Use Summer EBT First: These benefits will only remain on your card for four months. They will be removed 122 days after they are issued, no matter how often you are using your card. Other EBT benefits last longer than that, so always use your Summer balance first. The system will do this automatically if you live in a state that has decided to add the summer money to your existing EBT card.
• Double Your Benefits: Use your Summer EBT at a participating Double Up location in order to get twice as much food.
• Get Your EBT Discounts: You may be able to unlock free or reduced price museum admission and other freebies with your Summer EBT card. Check out our full list of 1,000+ EBT discounts here.
• DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR CARD: Many states send your Summer EBT benefits on the card you received the year prior. If you throw it away at the end of the season, you may have to request a new card in order to use your benefits.

FAQs about Summer EBT

Since this program is still very new, we’ve had a lot of users ask questions about it. Here are some important things you need to know.

Relief Recap

Summer break should be about making memories, not worrying about the grocery bill. Use your Summer EBT to keep your family fueled and ready for fun. This program provides $120+ in grocery money to eligible children during the summer months.