In June 2025, millions of families with school-age children will start receiving additional food benefits through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program, also referred to as SUN Bucks. This program aims to assist low-income families in purchasing groceries during the summer, a time when school meals are not accessible.
According to Newsweek, the USDA has projected the program will serve 21 million children across the U.S. in 2024, distributing approximately $2.5 billion in benefits. The initiative is part of the broader SNAP program, which supports individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout the year.
What is Summer EBT?
The Summer EBT program, projected to serve 21 million children across the United States in 2024, offers families $120 per eligible school-age child to assist in purchasing food.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is distributing approximately $2.5 billion in benefits across 35 states, five U.S. territories, and four tribal nations. Most recipients are already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
How Does It Work?
Payments will be made in various ways depending on the state:
- Directly onto existing SNAP cards,
- Added to Summer EBT cards from the previous year,
- Issued via new Summer EBT cards mailed to beneficiaries.
Funds can be used for any food item that is allowed under SNAP guidelines, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and grains. Non-food items, including alcohol, cleaning products, and hot prepared meals, are not eligible.
Which States Will Pay in June?
The following 16 states will begin issuing Summer EBT payments 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
Eligibility for Summer EBT
Children automatically qualify for Summer EBT if they participate in certain government assistance programs or receive free or reduced-price school meals. This includes families enrolled in SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid (in participating states), and other programs.
Students attending schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and meet income eligibility requirements are also eligible.
Further Payment Dates
Although June marks the start of payments for many states, other states will begin distributing benefits in July. These states include Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia. Some states have already started their payments earlier this year.
Summer EBT benefits will expire 122 days after issuance, so families are encouraged to use them promptly. Notably, the program will not be available in several states including Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma (except Tribal Nations), South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.
