The SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program is returning to support families during the summer months, when school meals are not available.
SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child each year to help families purchase groceries. Last summer (2025), nearly 550,000 children in Washington received SUN Bucks, helping families stretch their food budgets and support local communities.
Benefits will begin arriving starting in June for eligible families.
Who Is Eligible?
Most children will be automatically enrolled if they meet one of the following anytime between July 1 of the previous year and the current summer:
- Approved for free or reduced-price meals at a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program
- Ages 8–18 and part of a household receiving SNAP or TANF benefits
Families of automatically eligible children will receive a notification by mail.
Note: Students attending schools that provide free meals to all students (Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 schools) must submit a meal application or SUN Bucks application to verify income.
Do I Need to Apply?
If your child is not automatically enrolled, you can still apply.
To qualify by application, students must:
Applying online is the fastest option, but paper applications are also available.
Please Note: Additional languages search Sun Bucks (Electronic DSHS Forms)
What to Expect
- Families will receive an approval letter by mail, followed by a SUN Bucks card within 7–10 business days
- Cards are mailed to the address on file with DSHS, your child’s school, or your application
- Benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other EBT-approved retailers nationwide.
SUN Bucks can be used to purchase foods such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and dairy products
- Bread, cereals, and snacks
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Benefits expire 122 days after they are issued, so families are encouraged to use them promptly.
Need Help?
Learn More or Apply