The Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, is designed to support families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the school year. When schools close for the summer, many children lose access to these meals, which is why the program provides $120 in food benefits to eligible children.
This initiative, which proved to be a success in 2024, will return in the summer of 2025 in most states and territories across the U.S.
What is the Summer EBT Program?
The Summer EBT program offers $120 in food benefits per eligible child to help families with the additional food costs when schools are closed. This amount is spread out over the summer months, roughly equating to $40 per month.
These benefits can be used at supermarkets and other stores that accept EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), just like regular SNAP benefits.
How and When Will Summer EBT Benefits Be Delivered?
The delivery of Summer EBT benefits will vary depending on the state. There are three common ways benefits will be distributed:
On the household’s existing EBT card: If the household already has an active EBT card from the regular SNAP program, the summer benefits will be loaded onto the same card.
On the same Summer EBT card used in 2024: Some states will use the same Summer EBT card that was issued in 2024 for ongoing benefits.
In a new Summer EBT card sent by mail: If no previous card was issued, a new Summer EBT card will be mailed to the household.
Most states will begin depositing benefits between late May and early June 2025. It is important to note that these benefits will expire 122 days after they are issued, so it’s essential to use them before they expire.
Additionally, if Summer EBT benefits are loaded onto a regular EBT card along with SNAP benefits, the summer benefits will be used first when making purchases.
What Can You Buy with Summer EBT?
The Summer EBT program works similarly to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and the same rules apply for what you can purchase. Eligible items include:
Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
Meat, fish, and chicken
Dairy products
Bread, cereals, dried or canned beans
Snacks and soft drinks
However, it is important to remember that you cannot purchase non-food items such as:
Toilet paper
Diapers
Cleaning products
Prepared foods (like hot meals)
Which States are Participating in Summer EBT 2025?
The following states and territories will participate in the Summer EBT program for 2025:
A-D:
Alabama
American Samoa
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Cherokee Nation
Chickasaw Nation
Choctaw 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
States Not Participating in Summer EBT 2025
Unfortunately, the following states and territories will not be participating in the Summer EBT program for 2025:
Alaska
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Mississippi
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Wyoming
However, these states may join in future years, although they are not expected to provide benefits during the summer of 2025.
The Summer EBT program provides essential support to families with eligible children, ensuring they have access to nutritious food during the summer months when school meals are no longer available.
With a $120 benefit per child and benefits available for use at many supermarkets, it is a valuable resource for those who need it most. To stay updated, be sure to check your state’s information and ensure you use your benefits before they expire.
