SNAP & SUN Bucks Benefits Explained- How To Get Up To $292 This Summer

Every summer, children who depend on school meals can experience food insecurity. Thankfully, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) bridge that gap by offering crucial support during June–August.

Together, these programs can provide families with up to $292 per eligible child, helping ensure no one goes hungry.

What Are SNAP and SUN Bucks?

SNAP: Offers regular food assistance to low-income households. In some cases, families receive additional benefits in summer—up to $292 depending on household size and income .
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT): Delivers a one-time $120 benefit per eligible school-age child for summer grocery shopping .

Together, these programs can deliver essential support at a time when school meal access is unavailable.

Quick Facts Table

Program	Benefit Amount	Who Qualifies	Usage Window
SNAP	Varies (incl. summer boost) up to $292 total	Low-income households post application review	Varies by state; typically June–Aug
SUN Bucks	$120 per child (one-time)	School children in SNAP/TANF/Medicaid or NSLP-eligible	Typically available June–Aug

Who Qualifies?

SUN Bucks

Children are automatically eligible if they meet any of the following:

Receive SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid
Certified for free or reduced-price school meals via NSLP/SBP
Part of foster, homeless, Head Start, or migrant programs

Otherwise, families earning under 185% of Federal Poverty Level can apply for SUN Bucks

SNAP

To receive summer SNAP boosts, your household must already be SNAP enrolled. Benefit levels vary based on income, household size, and state policies.

How to Apply

SUN Bucks
- Most states auto-enroll. If not, check state EBT/Human Services website.
- Gather info: child’s name, DOB, school/district, household size/income.
- Apply via your state’s Summer EBT portal; deadlines vary (e.g., Michigan by Aug 31).
- Benefits issued as a separate EBT card or added to existing SNAP card.
SNAP
- Ensure your household stays enrolled.
- If you’re newly eligible, apply via state SNAP office or online.
- Summer boosts (up to $292) will be included based on your situation.
Usage Timeline
- SUN Bucks must be spent within 122 days of issuance .
- SNAP follow state EBT timelines.
Where to Use
Works at grocery stores, farmers markets, WIC-participating retailers, and many online vendors like Amazon and Walmart .

Tips to Maximize Your Benefits

Check auto-enrollment: Some families miss out due to paperwork issues—apply even if unsure.
Apply early: State deadlines (e.g., MI: April 15 or Aug 31) .
Plan spending: Ensure you use full benefit within expiry to avoid financial loss.

Real Stories of Impact

In Michigan, families in Huron County shared how the benefits supported their summer:

“$120 allowed me to buy fresh produce and dairy I couldn’t afford before”.

With up to $292 per child, SNAP and SUN Bucks offer significant summer food support. But eligibility isn’t automatic for all and varies by program and household.

Act early, apply where needed, and make the most of these essential resources to ensure a healthy, hunger-free summer.

FAQs

Can homeschooled children qualify?

Yes—if their household receives SNAP/TANF/Medicaid or meets income thresholds, they can apply.

What happens to unused benefits?

SUN Bucks expire after 122 days, and SNAP extra funds follow state rules. Plan your purchases accordingly.

Are online food deliveries eligible?

Yes—as long as the retailer participates in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot (e.g., Amazon, Walmart) .