Extra SNAP Benefits for Summer 2025: What You Need to Know

Starting in June 2025, families in 16 states and Washington, D.C., will receive extra financial help for groceries through the Summer EBT program, also known as "SUN Bucks."

Each eligible child will get $120 to help low-income families buy food during the summer when schools are closed.
 

How Many People Benefit?

The program, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), expects to serve 21 million children by 2024, distributing around $2.5 billion nationwide.

By 2025, 37 states, Washington, D.C., five U.S. territories, and four tribal nations will be participating in the program.
 

Who Qualifies?

Most families already enrolled in the SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are eligible for Summer EBT benefits. Kids who get free or reduced-price school meals also qualify.

Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and those in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations are automatically covered.

If your family already receives SNAP benefits, you don’t need to apply for Summer EBT — the money will be sent to you automatically.
 

How Will I Get the Money?

Each state has its own way of delivering Summer EBT benefits. It could come in one of these three ways:
 

1. The benefits could be added to your regular SNAP EBT card.
2. The funds might be put on the same Summer EBT card you used last year.
3. You could receive a new card in the mail.

The first payments will be sent in June to residents of Alabama, California, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. Other participating states will start making payments in July 2025.
 

Maximum SNAP Benefits for 2025

Here’s a quick guide to the maximum SNAP benefits per household size for 2025 (valid in the 48 contiguous U.S. states and Washington, D.C.):
 

• 1 person: $292/month
• 2 people: $536/month
• 3 people: $768/month
• 4 people: $975/month
• 5 people: $1,158/month
• 6 people: $1,390/month
• 7 people: $1,536/month
• 8 people: $1,756/month
• Each additional person: + $220

 

What Can You Buy With These Benefits?

Families can use SNAP and Summer EBT benefits to buy groceries allowed under SNAP rules. This includes foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, meat, and poultry.

However, you cannot use the funds to purchase:
 

• Non-food items (like cleaning products or toiletries)
• Alcohol or tobacco
• Hot, prepared meals sold at stores

 

Need Help?

If you have questions about your benefits or how to use them, contact your local SNAP office.

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