The 2025 Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) Program promises up to $120 in food assistance per eligible child—but not every family will receive it. Understanding who qualifies, how to access it, and what states are participating is crucial to ensuring your family doesn’t miss out on vital grocery support.
Despite national funding and growing attention, many families are still unaware of this benefit—or discover too late that their state opted out or their application was never submitted. This article breaks down the program in simple language, backed by professional insight and sourced data, to help you access what’s rightfully yours.
Unlock Up to $120 More per Child
| Section | Details | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Program Name | Summer EBT (also known as SUN Bucks or Summer Food Program) | USDA Official Page |
| Benefit Amount | $40/month × 3 months = $120 per eligible child | USDA Thrifty Food Plan |
| Eligibility | SNAP, TANF, free/reduced-price school meals, Medicaid, foster, homeless, migrant | USDA Guidelines |
| State Participation | Varies; 35+ states opted in for 2025, others declined | State agency websites |
| Distribution Timeline | Benefits issued mid-May to mid-June 2025 | USDA |
| Expiration | Funds expire after 122 days | USDA |
| Usage | Groceries only; SNAP-authorized retailers; no hot food or non-food items | SNAP Policy |
Summer EBT is one of the most practical, impactful ways to ensure children have access to nutritious meals while school is out. But access depends on state participation, awareness, and timely action. If you qualify, take the steps now to confirm your eligibility or apply before your deadline passes.
Even if your state opted out in 2025, staying informed and voicing support can influence future participation. For families, professionals, and educators alike, Summer EBT is more than just a seasonal perk—it’s a bridge between food security and hunger during a vulnerable time.
What Is Summer EBT and Why It Exists
Summer EBT is a federally funded food assistance program under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), launched to reduce hunger among school-aged children during summer break. During the school year, over 20 million U.S. children rely on free or reduced-price school meals for essential nutrition. But when schools close, many families struggle to fill the gap.
To solve this, the USDA established the Summer EBT program, which gives each qualifying family $120 per child over the summer months—$40 for June, July, and August—to purchase groceries.
The goal is simple: provide children with continuous access to food during the months when they don’t have school breakfasts or lunches.
How the Summer EBT Program Works
This benefit is not the same as regular SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Instead, it’s a standalone seasonal boost that is either:
- Added to an existing EBT card, if the family already receives SNAP, or
- Issued on a new “SUN Bucks” card, mailed by the state for summer-only use
Families can use the funds at SNAP-authorized retailers, which include most major grocery chains, farmer’s markets, and convenience stores that sell food.
The funds typically appear on cards between mid-May and mid-June, and they expire 122 days after the issue date.
Who Is Eligible in 2025?
Eligibility is determined based on household income and participation in other assistance programs. A child may qualify if they meet any one of the following criteria:
- Enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid and meet income thresholds
- Approved for free or reduced-price school meals
- Living in foster care, homeless shelters, or classified as a migrant or runaway youth
- Attending a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Automatic enrollment happens for children whose participation is already verified through school or benefits databases.
For all others, the state may require an application, including proof of income or documentation of school lunch eligibility. This is especially true for families who homeschool or have children in private schools.
States That Do (and Don’t) Participate in 2025
Even though Summer EBT is federally funded, individual states must opt in and run their own programs. For 2025:
Participating States Include:
- California
- Michigan
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Washington
These states offer either automatic or hybrid systems (some auto-enrollment, some applications).
Non-Participating States (As of June 2025):
- Texas
- Florida
- Indiana
- Idaho
- Georgia
- South Dakota
- South Carolina
- Mississippi
- Alaska
If your state did not opt in, you cannot receive Summer EBT, even if your children qualify.
Why $120? A Look at the USDA Budget and Nutrition Strategy
The amount—$120 per child—may sound arbitrary, but it’s grounded in nutrition science and federal budgeting. The USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan (updated in 2021) estimates the monthly cost of a nutritious diet for children based on market pricing and dietary guidelines.
The $40/month figure covers the estimated cost of a child’s weekday meals during summer, with the assumption that weekends and some food costs will be supplemented by the family.
In 2024, the federal government allocated over $2.5 billion for Summer EBT expansion. By 2025, the program aimed to cover over 30 million eligible children, though actual participation remains limited by state opt-in and awareness.
Application Deadlines and Process
For states that require families to apply manually, here’s what to expect:
- Locate your state’s EBT website
Search “[State] Summer EBT 2025” or visit your school district’s website. - Complete the online application
You’ll typically need:- Household income information
- Proof of residency
- Your child’s school name and lunch eligibility
- Submit before the deadline
States set their own deadlines, which vary widely:- Michigan: Deadline was May 31
- New York: Applications accepted until September 4
- North Carolina: July 15 deadline
- Wait for confirmation
Most states send letters or emails with benefit approval and distribution details.
What Families Can Buy with Summer EBT
Funds from Summer EBT can be used for most grocery items that are permitted under standard SNAP rules:
Allowed:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Grains like bread, rice, cereal, and pasta
- Eggs, meat, poultry, and fish
- Baby formula and infant food
Not Allowed:
- Hot or prepared meals (rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches)
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Vitamins or supplements
- Cleaning supplies, paper products
- Pet food
Funds must be spent within 122 days of issuance, or they expire.
Real-Life Scenario: A Family Benefits from Summer EBT
Consider the Nguyen family in Pennsylvania, with two school-aged children. Although they were not SNAP recipients, both children were enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.
In early June, the family received a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Two weeks later, their new SUN Bucks card arrived with $240 ($120 per child). They used it to purchase fresh fruit, lunch items, and pantry staples that helped them make ends meet during the high-cost summer months.
This family wouldn’t have received the benefit had they missed the application deadline—or if their state didn’t participate.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many families lose out on benefits due to a few preventable errors:
- Ignoring official letters: These often look like junk mail.
- Missing the application window: Deadlines are not flexible.
- Throwing away EBT cards: Cards may arrive in plain envelopes.
- Failing to activate cards: Some require a call or PIN setup.
- Not spending funds in time: Benefits do expire—use promptly.
How Schools and Nonprofits Are Helping
Schools, community centers, and food banks are often critical partners in spreading awareness about Summer EBT. Many local school districts send notices through:
- Report cards
- End-of-year bulletins
- Parent-teacher newsletters
- Automated calls or text messages
Nonprofits like Feeding America, No Kid Hungry, and local food pantries also play a key role in reaching underserved populations, particularly those with limited internet access or English language barriers.
If you work at a school or nonprofit, consider making summer EBT part of your outreach strategy.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can undocumented children receive Summer EBT?
Eligibility is tied to participation in school meal programs, not immigration status. If your child qualifies for free school meals, they may still be eligible.
2. Can I reapply if I missed the 2025 deadline?
No. Benefits are not retroactive. However, you can prepare for the 2026 cycle and ensure your school or SNAP profile is up to date.
3. Does this affect my regular SNAP benefits?
No. Summer EBT is a separate, seasonal program that does not reduce or alter monthly SNAP allotments.
4. Can I appeal if I was denied?
Yes. States allow families to appeal benefit denials through their human services department.
