Surprise $120 checks headed to 9 states under ‘Summer’ program — who qualifies now

Families in the US may get $120 per child this summer to help with grocery costs when schools are closed. The money comes from SUN Bucks, also called Summer EBT, which supports kids during summer vacation. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture and gives grocery benefits for eligible school-age children. Children in schools offering free or reduced meals can be automatically enrolled in many cases. A total of 37 states offer SUN Bucks, but rules differ by state.

North Carolina, Maryland, Iowa

In North Carolina, families must update contact details by March 31 to avoid payment delays. Some children in Community Eligibility Provision schools also qualify automatically in North Carolina. Kids aged 7–16 in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, foster care, or low-income households qualify in North Carolina, according to The Sun.

Maryland gives $40 per month in June, July, and August for a total of $120. Maryland covers children ages 5–18 in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, FARMS, or those in foster care or homeless. Maryland benefits expire 122 days after being issued.


Iowa offers SUN Bucks to kids in schools participating in the lunch program who meet income or assistance criteria. Iowa eligibility includes SNAP, Medicaid (low income), foster care, or free/reduced meals.

Hawaii, California, Minnesota

Hawaii gives $177 per child, which is higher than the standard $120. Hawaii covers children age five or older who meet age and income rules. Hawaii requires families to confirm eligibility each year. Hawaii benefits start around May 27, and new EBT cards begin mailing mid-May.

California automatically qualifies children ages 6–18 in programs like CalFresh or Medi-Cal, as stated by The Sun. Homeschooled children in California may also qualify. California families have until August 31 to apply for 2026 benefits.

Minnesota will start sending benefits in early June. Minnesota covers children aged 7–17 in programs like SNAP, TANF, foster care, or school meal program.

Massachusetts, New Mexico, Kansas

Massachusetts automatically sends benefits to most eligible families. Massachusetts eligibility includes SNAP, cash benefits, MassHealth, SSI caregivers, or foster care. New Mexico also automatically enrolls many children. New Mexico requires residency, school enrollment, and income below 185% of poverty level if not auto-enrolled.

Kansas families must apply by August 31 at 5pm. Kansas automatically qualifies kids aged 7–17 receiving food assistance or TANF. Kansas also has income rules, such as a household of four earning under $59,478 annually, as cited by The Sun.

Overall, the program helps families buy groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and cereals during summer break.

FAQs

Q1. Who will get the $120 summer payment?

Families with school-age children who qualify for free or reduced meals or programs like SNAP may automatically receive SUN Bucks.

Q2. When will families receive the summer SUN Bucks money?

Most states will send benefits between May and early summer, but exact dates depend on each state’s schedule.