Extra payment of $120 for SNAP beneficiaries this summer: Who is eligible and how to get it

Some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients may be able to receive an extra payment of up to $120 this summer thanks to the SUN Bucks initiative, also known as Summer EBT.

With this extra help, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will ensure that low-income students are fed during the summer vacation, since during this period they do not have access to the free breakfasts and lunches offered by schools.

Who qualifies for the payment?

Considering the Program's target, the aid is directed to families who are already enrolled in other government programs, such as SNAP, WIC, TANF and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

Families whose children are in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) also participate, as long as they meet income requirements: Being within the 185% of the federal poverty line ($55,500 per year), according to the USDA. Some families who earn within 130% of the federal poverty line may also be eligible for free lunches.

Aid amounts range from $40 to $120, depending on the family's financial situation, and will be issued to an EBT debit card, which has admission to select grocery stores, convenience stores, and flea markets. Aid must be used within 122 days of issuance.

How to get the extra $120 payment?

If you are already in one of the eligible financial aid programs (SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, NSLP or SBP) you will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks.

If you do not receive assistance from these programs, but believe you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for Summer EBT through the official USDA website. Distribution of payments began 14 June and will continue every two weeks through September, which means you still have time to apply.

Participating States

The program aims to provide financial assistance to more than 30 million children, but not all states participate, as many of them already have similar relief. Only 35 states are eligible for SUN Bucks:

American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are also eligible. If your state is not listed, you are not eligible.