More Food Money for Families: Summer Benefits Starting in June

This June, lots of families in America with kids who go to school will get some extra help to buy food. This help is because of a program called Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, which gives $120 for each child that qualifies.

This is to help families who don't make a lot of money buy food when schools are closed for the summer.

In 2024, the program is expected to help about 21 million kids all over the country. The plan is to give out about $2.5 billion in benefits in 35 states, 5 US territories, and 4 Native American communities.

Most of the people who will get this help are already getting SNAP benefits, which is a program that helps people buy food.

Check out: Everything You Need to Know about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
 

Who’s Getting the Extra Summer Food Money?

In 2025, there will be a lot of places—37 states, including Washington, D.C. and all US territories—taking part in the Summer EBT program. How you get the extra food money can be different depending on where you live:
 

• It might be put right onto the SNAP EBT card you already have.
• It could be added to the Summer EBT card you got last year.
• Or, you might get a new Summer EBT card in the mail.

 

Which States Are Giving Out Money in June?

Here's a list of places that will start giving out the Summer EBT benefits in June:
 

• Alabama
• District of Columbia (D.C.)
• California
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

With this extra money, families can buy food that's allowed under SNAP rules, like fruits, vegetables, milk, bread, meat, and chicken.

But remember, you can't use it to buy things like soap, alcohol, or food that's already cooked and ready to eat from the store.
 

Who Gets Summer EBT?

Kids can get Summer EBT if their families are part of certain government programs like SNAP, TANF, the food program for Native American reservations, or Medicaid (in some states). Also, if they get free or cheaper meals at school, they might qualify.

A lot of families will get this money without needing to do anything extra. But if you didn't get it automatically and think you should, you can sign up on your state's Summer EBT website.

Don't forget to use your benefits quickly! They last for 122 days after you get them.
 

Not Every State Is Involved

However, not every state is taking part in the Summer EBT for 2025. There are a few, like Alaska, Florida, and Texas (with a few more states listed), that won't be giving out these benefits.
 

What About Other States?

Other states will give out benefits later, mostly in July. But some states have already started. Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia will start in July.

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