Washington SUN Bucks provided an additional food benefit to nearly 600,000 children during summer 2024, the first year of the new program. SUN Bucks provides eligible school-aged children with $120 in food benefits to buy groceries during the summer while free and reduced-price meals aren’t available in schools. This amount will be adjusted annually for inflation.
If you received SUN Bucks during summer 2024, your benefits may expire if you do not use them within 122 days of issuance. You can check the balance on your card by calling the number on the back, visiting ebtEDGE.com or using the ebtEDGE app.
Sign up for text messaging to be notified of SUN Bucks updates, benefit details, important reminders and answers to questions.
You can also call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday (except observed holidays).
What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is a permanent program that provides grocery-buying benefits to qualified families with school-aged children during summer months when schools are on summer break. Benefits are issued on individual EBT cards that families can use to purchase nutritious food during the summer period.
Who is eligible to receive SUN Bucks?
Most children are automatically enrolled without having to apply if they are:
- Enrolled at a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program AND individually approved for free or reduced-price meals at school OR
- Age 8-18 and a member of a household that receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or State-Funded Assistance.
Students who are not automatically enrolled may qualify by submitting a SUN Bucks application if they are:
- Enrolled at an NSLP or SBP participating school AND
- Living in a household with income that meets NSLP Income Eligibility Guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
How can I apply for SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks applications are currently open to families who wish to apply. Applications submitted at this time will be considered for SUN Bucks in 2025.
If you are unable to submit an online application, you may print and mail a completed SUN Bucks application (Form 14-554) to the DSHS Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 11669, Tacoma, WA 98411-6699. Submitting a paper application will delay processing and may be denied if information is missing or incomplete.
Online and paper applications are subject to additional questions and verification as needed.
Note: You may only receive SUN Bucks in one state. If we find you have received SUN Bucks in another state, you may be issued an overpayment.
How will I know my child has been enrolled into SUN Bucks?
Once eligibility is determined, each eligible child will receive an approval letter. A dedicated SUN Bucks card will arrive about seven to 10 business days later.Where will my SUN Bucks card be mailed?
What if I don't want SUN Bucks benefits?
If you would like to opt out of receiving SUN Bucks benefits, simply discard the SUN Bucks card and it will expire 122 days after it is issued.
What if my child automatically receives free or reduced-price meals through a Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 school, regardless of income?
SUN Bucks requires students to meet Income Eligibility Guidelines. CEP and Provision 2 schools don’t require income verification to qualify for free and reduced-price meals, so families with children attending these schools will need to submit a Family Income Survey or meal application to qualify. These Income Guidelines are revised on July 1 of every year; the income limits used to determine SUN Bucks eligibility are the limits in place on the date of application.
Where can I use my SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks cards can be used at any authorized retailers nationwide where EBT is accepted, including at participating farmers markets, on uncooked: fruits, veggies, meat, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants that produce food.
Does my child's immigration status impact their eligibility for SUN Bucks?
- Remain in the United States.
- Get a Green Card/Permanent Legal Resident Status.
- Keep a Green Card/Permanent Legal Resident Status.
- Become a U.S. citizen.
Does SUN Bucks qualify for fruit and vegetable incentive programs?
If a family has a SUN Bucks card and a SNAP/EBT card, both cards receive additional benefits for purchase of fruits and vegetables. Visit Department of Health's SNAP Match program website to find participating retailers and farmers markets near you.
Quick Links