How to Register Your Child for Summer Food Vouchers

• Author: Miguel Waters
• Posted: 2025-07-22

During school breaks, many kids miss out on the free or discounted lunches they get during school days.

To help, the Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, offers $120 in food benefits for each child who qualifies, helping families buy groceries.
 

How Does It Work?

The Summer EBT program started in 2025 after the previous P-EBT program ended in 2023. It uses a more automated system to help families:
 

• Automatic Enrollment: Many families don't need to do anything to receive benefits. Your child might already be eligible if:
  • They receive SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid benefits.
  • They attend a school where students get free or low-cost lunches through the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program.
  • They are in foster care, or part of Head Start, migrant, or homeless families.
• Check Eligibility Online: If you're not sure whether your child is automatically enrolled, you can check online to see if you need to apply manually.

 

How to Apply If You’re Not Automatically Enrolled:

If your child doesn’t qualify automatically, your family might still be eligible based on your income. Each state has its own application method, and here are a few examples:
 

• California: Apply through your child’s school by September 1.
• Illinois: Go to the abe.illinois.gov website and choose the Summer EBT option before August 31.
• New York: Submit your application by September 4.
• Arizona: Fill out an online questionnaire by August 5.
• Michigan: Use the MI Bridges portal and apply by August 31.

You can find the full list of states, their specific links, and deadlines on the official program website or by contacting your local social services agency.
 

What Happens After You Apply?

If approved, you’ll be notified, and the funds will be provided between May and July, depending on where you live.

The benefits will be either added to an existing EBT card or a separate Summer EBT card, and you can use them at any store that accepts SNAP.

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Read more: $1,702 Payments Coming to Many Americans on July 17, 2025 - Check If You're Qualified