What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) provides grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer. Through SUN Bucks, eligible school children receive a $120 grocery benefit that families can use to purchase groceries.
These benefits work alongside other FNS nutrition programs including SNAP, WIC, and Summer Meals to ensure every child has equitable access to nutrition over the summer months.
What’s New for SUN Bucks in 2026?
Parents can now check if their student is eligible for SunBucks in 2026 by using the ‘Check Eligibility and Apply‘ option. Also new this year is the Parent Portal Login. Parents and guardians are able to create a login to manage their SunBucks account online, view their student’s benefits, replace their SunBucks card, and more!
Who Is Eligible for SUN Bucks?
Students are eligible for SUN Bucks if they:
- Are between 5-18 years old and part of a household that participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF or cash assistance) OR
- Are experiencing homelessness or in foster care; OR
- Submitted an application for free or reduced-price school meals during the current school year that was approved; OR
- Submitted a 2025 SUN Bucks application on July 1, 2025 or later, were approved, and are still attending a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
View the Summer EBT income guidelines.
Your student is automatically eligible if they are between 5 and 18 years old and received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) during school year 2024–2025 (as of July 1, 2025).
How To Apply for SUN Bucks?
If your child is not automatically eligible, you can fill out the SUN Bucks application here. Applications are open through August 2026.
SUN Bucks Contact Information
- For assistance with SUN Bucks, please call the DC SUN Bucks Call Center at (844) 811-SEBT(7328). The Call Center will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- D.C. Hunger Solutions help line: 202-640-1088.
- D.C. Hunger Solutions email: info@dchunger.org
Other Resources
- District of Columbia Government SUN Bucks FAQ
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service Summer EBT FAQ
- SUN Bucks National School Lunch Program Schools here
- For more information, please visit https://sunbucks.dc.gov/