The SUN Bucks 2026 program — the federal summer food benefit for school-age children — is up and running across most of the country. A total of 39 states, Washington D.C., and four territories have confirmed their participation this summer, meaning millions of families with children who receive SNAP, Medicaid, or free and reduced-price school meals will get an extra $120 on their EBT card to cover food during the summer months. But not every state pays at the same time — and knowing when your benefit arrives can make a real difference.
SUN Bucks became a permanent program in 2024 after being signed into federal law. Now in its third year, it has significantly expanded its reach: 38 states participated in 2025, and one more has joined this year. The only states not participating in 2026 are Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, which have opted out for various administrative or budgetary reasons.
States starting in May and June 2026
Several states have already begun issuing benefits this week or will do so in the coming days. Louisiana and North Dakota were the earliest, with payments starting in the first half of May. States that have confirmed June payments include:
Alabama: benefits will start being sent in June 2026. California: first $40 payment in June, with additional $40 payments in July and August. Connecticut: payments expected in late June. Maine: issuance starts between June 1 and June 15. Massachusetts: benefits expected in early June. Maryland: like California, first payment in June with follow-up payments in July and August. Washington D.C.: disbursements begin in June for those automatically enrolled.
For remaining participating states, payments will roll out between July and September 2026. Pennsylvania is among the last, with a mid-August start date. To find your state’s exact date, visit the USDA website or your state’s SNAP portal.
How the benefits arrive: existing EBT card or new card by mail
Depending on the state, the $120 will arrive in one of two ways. The most convenient option is that the funds are loaded directly onto the SNAP EBT card you already have. The second option is that the state mails you a new SUN Bucks card pre-loaded with the benefit. In that case, the card will arrive in an envelope and you will need to activate it and set a PIN before you can use it.
If your state is mailing a new card, it is essential that your address is up to date at both your SNAP office and your child’s school. Cards are sent to the address on file — if it has changed since last year, update it now to make sure the benefit reaches you.
How long you have and where you can spend the benefits
Once loaded onto your card, SUN Bucks benefits expire after 122 days from the deposit date. After that window, any unused funds are automatically removed — so do not leave them until the last minute. Benefits can be used at any authorized EBT retailer or supermarket, as well as on online grocery platforms such as Amazon Fresh, Walmart.com, or Instacart in states that permit EBT online purchases.
SUN Bucks benefits do not affect your regular monthly SNAP benefit or your eligibility for any other assistance program. They are a supplement, not a replacement. And unlike some forms of aid, they do not count as income when determining eligibility for other programs.
What to do if you do not receive benefits automatically
If your child is not automatically enrolled, you can apply for SUN Bucks manually through your state’s portal before the application deadline — generally between mid-August and early September. To get started, visit fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks and select your state. If you have questions, call your county SNAP agency — they can help you determine whether your child qualifies and how to complete the application.