SUN Bucks

To receive SUN Bucks, students must meet one of the four eligibility criteria listed:

1. Students determined to be eligible for free meals through direct certification or a school meal application. 
2. Students enrolled at a school that provides free meals to all students (via the Community Eligibility Provision or HB 1238) who has ALSO been determined eligible for free meals through direct certification or a school meal application.
3. Students (defined as 8–18 years old) who reside in a household receiving SNAP, TANF, or other federally means-tested assistance programs approved by USDA.
4. Students that do not qualify for the above three methods have the option to submit a Summer EBT application through DSHS. Requirements for approval through a Summer EBT application include:
   • Confirmed to be enrolled at any time during the 2025-26 school year at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), AND
   • Meet the USDA school meals Income Eligibility Guidelines.

New in 2026! Ignite Family Academy now has a school meals program, and students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined above can qualify for SUN Bucks benefits.

A condition of eligibility for SUN Bucks is that students must be enrolled in a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP)-participating school. Summit Virtual Academy does not provide school meals and therefore, does not participate in the NSLP/SBP.

Students not enrolled in NSLP/SBP-participating schools that are receiving assistance program benefits and are ages 8-18 years are eligible for Summer EBT benefits. These benefits will be automatically issued by DSHS.

No. Households must be directly certified for free meals or submit a qualifying school meal application to be determined eligible for Summer EBT benefits.

Summer EBT/SUN Bucks complements other USDA nutrition programs like SNAP, summer meal programs and Women, Infants and Children. In Washington, SUN Bucks will be co-managed by the Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits on a dedicated SUN Bucks card.

Once approved by USDA, DSHS plans to issue SUN Bucks beginning mid-June through the end of August 2026. Within this period, children may receive benefits at different times depending on how they qualify. Once qualified, children will receive an approval notice and SUN Bucks EBT card within 7 to 10 business days via U.S. Mail. 

Yes. SUN Bucks benefits expire and are removed 122 days from issuance. Unlike SNAP EBT, SUN Bucks are removed regardless of usage. Once benefits are removed from an EBT card, they cannot be replaced. (So use these benefits first!)