Sun Bucks, Delaware’s Summer EBT Program, helps eligible families with school-age children buy food during summer when school breakfasts and lunches are not available. Families receive a one-time $120 benefit per summer for each eligible school-aged child.
Families must meet the income and program rules to qualify.
Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?
You do NOT need to apply for SUN Bucks and will receive benefits automatically if your school-age child:
- Gets SNAP (food benefits) or TANF (cash assistance).
- Gets a type of Medicaid that is income-tested and your household income is at, or below, the SUN Bucks income limit for your household size.
- Was approved through a school meal plan application for free or reduced-priced meals.
- Has the status of being in foster care, homeless, a migrant, a runaway, or in Head Start and is enrolled in a school participating in the National School Lunch Program.
You will receive a letter in the mail if your child is automatically eligible. If you get a letter, you do not need to apply for SUN Bucks.
If you do not automatically receive a letter, you may apply for SUN Bucks if you meet the following rules to qualify:
- Your child must be enrolled in a Delaware school that participates in the National School Lunch Program.
- Your household’s income must be at or below the SUN Bucks income limit for your household size.
- You must submit a complete and signed SUN Bucks application. Apply through ASSIST or complete a paper copy of the application (closed).
SUN Bucks Income Limit
The SUN Bucks income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
How SUN Bucks benefits are sent to families
Benefits are automatically loaded on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can only be used to buy groceries. If you have more than one eligible child, you will likely receive the benefits for all in one payment. If you have children in different schools, you may receive more than one payment.
If your household receives SNAP food benefits, SUN Bucks benefits will be adding to your SNAP EBT card.
If you received a separate SUN Bucks card in Summer 2025, your child’s benefits will be loaded on that card.
- Do not throw away your SUN Bucks card. Please keep it in a safe location to use each summer. If you need a replacement card, call 1-800-526-9099.
If your household is receiving SUN Bucks for the first time, a SUN Bucks card will be mailed to the address on file for your child. Your benefits will be loaded on this card. Instructions for how to activate the card and create a personal identification number (PIN) will be included in the envelope with the card.
What you can buy with SUN Bucks
Use your SUN Bucks benefits to buy eligible food items at stores, online retailers and at farmer’s markets that accept EBT. Find approved EBT retailers in Delaware here. Remember to use your SUN Bucks within four (4) months after we load them on your card. Any unused benefits will expire after 122 days.
Your SNAP EBT card works like a debit card at authorized SNAP retailers. It allows you to buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, grains to prepare as part of a healthy diet. You may not use SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared foods or non-food items. This table offers basic guidelines.
| You CAN pay for the following items with SUN Bucks | You CANNOT pay for these items with SUN Bucks |
|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | Hot or prepared foods |
| Meat, poultry, & fish | Non-food items |
| Dairy products | Alcoholic beverages |
| Breads & cereals | Vitamins, medicines, and supplements |
| Other food items | Fees for grocery service, delivery, shipping, or membership |
| Vegetable, fruit, and herb seeds and plants |
Online shopping with SUN Bucks
You may use your SNAP benefits to buy approved SNAP foods online from an authorized SNAP retailer. Keep in mind that you cannot use SNAP benefits to pay costs associated with online purchases, such as membership or delivery fees. You may use your SNAP benefits to buy food from these Delaware-approved online retailers.
Important SUN Bucks Dates
- Most eligible families will receive SUN Bucks benefits in June or July.
- If you need to apply, the deadline for this summer is August 31, 2026.
- You must your use SUN Bucks benefits within four (4) months after they are loaded on your card. Any unused benefits on your card will expire after 122 days.
