While everyone is focused on their tax refunds, a critical deadline for parents is quietly approaching. The Summer EBT Program (branded as “Sun Bucks” in many states) is returning for Summer 2026, offering $120 per child to buy groceries when school is out.
Here is the Bottom Line Up Front: If your child receives free or reduced-price school meals, you likely qualify automatically. However, the physical EBT cards are mailed to the address your school district has on file right now. If you have moved in the last 6 months and haven’t updated your address with the school, your card will be returned to the state, potentially delaying your money until August or later.
Why You Must Act Before March 1st
State agencies pull their data rosters from school districts in early spring. If your address is outdated in the school portal by the time this “data scrape” happens, the system generates a card for the old address.
Unlike a standard letter, government EBT cards are not forwarded by the USPS. They are returned to the sender for security reasons. Correcting this after the fact is a nightmare that involves hours on hold with state support lines.
Eligibility Checklist (2026 Standards)
Most families do not need to apply if they are already in the system. Check this table to see if you are “Auto-Enrolled.”
| If Your Family Is… | Do You Need to Apply? | Action Required |
| On SNAP / TANF / FDPIR | NO (Automatic) | Ensure your caseworker has your current address. |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | NO (Automatic) | Update address with School Registrar. |
| Medicaid (Under Limit) | NO (Mostly Auto) | Check your state’s specific Medicaid opt-in rules. |
| Private School / Homeschool | YES | You must file a paper or online application by May. |
The “Ghost” Benefit Warning
We saw this happen massively in 2025. Parents thought they weren’t eligible because a card never arrived. In reality, the card was mailed, bounced back, and the $120 expired after 122 days of inactivity.
Do not let this happen to you. The $120 per child (often issued as a lump sum in June) is real money. For a family with three kids, that is $360 in groceries.
How to Fix Your Address Today
- Log in to your School Portal: Go to Infinite Campus, PowerSchool, or whatever app your district uses.
- Call the School Secretary: If you can’t change it online, call the front office. Ask specifically: “Is my mailing address current for the Summer EBT data transfer?”
- Check Your State Portal: States like California, New York, and Ohio have dedicated “Sun Bucks” websites where you can verify your status.
Pro Tip: If you have a child who is graduating high school in May 2026, they are still eligible for this summer’s payment in most states, provided they were enrolled during the academic year.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult official government resources.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
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