SUN Bucks: Pennsylvania’s Summer EBT program

Summer is a time when many children may not have access to the free and reduced-price meals they get during the school year, and households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. This year Pennsylvania will launch SUN Bucks, Pennsylvania’s Summer EBT program, a new grocery benefits program that provides households with a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy food while school is out. Benefits can be used at local participating retailers to purchase groceries. 

Many children will get these benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. The benefits will be added to an existing SNAP/TANF EBT card or a newly issued Summer EBT card.   

Note: For the first year of this program, paper applications for children who are not automatically eligible will become available in July 2024. Benefits will be issued to all eligible children by October 2024.  
 

Eligibility 

Children who applied and were approved for free/reduced-price school meals or who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks.  

Most children who get Medicaid are also automatically eligible for SUN Bucks because their income level is under the income level Opens In A New Window for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program. Children who get Medicaid through the Children with Special Needs category (PH 95) and children who are in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will have to apply for SUN Bucks. 

Stay tuned for more detailed eligibility information and frequently asked questions.  

How to Apply 

Most eligible households will get SUN Bucks automatically because  

• They are getting  SNAP or TANF; or, they are getting Medicaid with income that qualifies them Opens In A New Window for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR 
• They applied for and were determined eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. 

Some households may need to apply. Paper applications become available in July 2024. 

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