The SUN Bucks 2026 program is in full swing across the country and July is the key month for millions of families. If you have not yet seen the $120 per child on your EBT card, the money may be on its way — or there may be something you need to do to receive it. This guide tells you exactly what to do depending on your situation this week.
Before doing anything else, check your EBT card balance. Many families receive SUN Bucks automatically without any prior notice — the money simply appears as an additional balance. You can check in three ways: through the ebtEDGE or ConnectEBT app, by calling the number on the back of your card, or by logging into your state's SNAP online portal.
If you see a higher balance than usual, your SUN Bucks are already there. If the balance looks the same as always, keep reading.
Not all states distribute benefits at the same time. Here are the confirmed dates for the states with the most recipients:
California: benefits are split into three $40 payments — in June, July, and August. If you received the first payment in June, the second should arrive this week. Texas: does not participate in the federal SUN Bucks 2026 program. Florida: also not participating this year. New York: benefits have been issued since June 16 — if you have not received them, call 1-833-452-0096. Pennsylvania: distribution ongoing through July and August. Illinois: benefits distributing during July. Michigan: issuance scheduled during July. Washington State: benefits already issued since June, but with new cards — old cards were deactivated. Virginia: distribution in July. Louisiana: one of the first to issue, since mid-May.
If your state is not on this list, visit fna.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks and select your state to see the exact date.
If your state's distribution date has already passed and you do not see the benefits on your card, there are two possibilities. The first is that your child is automatically enrolled but the card has not arrived yet — some states mail a separate SUN Bucks card by post rather than loading benefits onto your regular EBT card. In that case, wait a few more days and make sure your address is up to date at both your SNAP office and your child's school.
The second possibility is that your child is not automatically enrolled and you need to apply. This happens when the household does not receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, but the child might still qualify based on family income or school enrollment. In that case, you need to submit an application before your state's deadline — generally between mid-August and early September 2026.
The process varies by state, but in general you will need: your child's full name and date of birth, the name of their school, your current address, and your household income. Some states also ask for the child's Social Security number. The process can be completed online, by mail, or in person at your county SNAP or social services office.
To find your state's application portal, search "SUN Bucks 2026 [your state name]" online or go directly to fna.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks.
If for any reason you receive two SUN Bucks cards or notice that two benefits have been loaded for the same child, notify your state's SNAP agency immediately and do not use the duplicate card. A child can only receive SUN Bucks from one state — not two at once. If duplicate participation is detected, the case will be investigated and you may be required to return the extra benefit.
Once the money arrives on your card, you have exactly 122 days to spend it — counted from the day it was loaded, not from the day you first use it. Once that window closes, the funds disappear with no possibility of recovery or reissuance.
To find your exact expiration date, open the ebtEDGE app or call the number on the back of your card and check your account history. If benefits arrived in June, they expire in mid-October. If they arrive in July, you have until mid-November. Do not leave it until the last minute.
If you live in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, or Utah, the federal SUN Bucks program is not available in your state this year. The only exception is Tennessee, which is offering its own state-funded $120 benefit for children in 13 specific counties. Check with your local social services office to find out if your county is included.