DELAWARE SUN BUCKS
Delaware’s Summer EBT program is now called SUN Bucks!
The SUN Bucks program helps families with school-age children buy food during the summer. Families will receive a $120 benefit for each eligible school-aged child. Benefits are loaded on an EBT card that can be used to buy groceries.
Many families will get SUN Bucks benefits automatically this summer, but some families will need to apply. Families must meet the income and program rules to qualify.
Important Dates:
- The application deadline for 2026 SUN Bucks is August 31, 2026. Families who do not get benefits automatically can apply for SUN Bucks at Delaware ASSIST.
- Most eligible families will receive SUN Bucks benefits at the end of May 2026.
- You must use your SUN Bucks benefits within 4 months after we load them on your card. Any unused benefits on your card will expire after 122 days.
Who is eligible?
You DON’T need to apply and will get 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’s income is at or below the SUN Bucks income limit for your household size.
- Was approved through a school meal application for free or reduced-price 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.
We will send you a letter in the mail if your child is automatically eligible.
If you apply for SUN Bucks, you must 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.
- You must provide proof of your household’s information if we request it.
We will send you a letter in the mail after we review your application to let you know if your child was approved or denied for benefits.
You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for SUN Bucks. Applying for or receiving SUN Bucks does not affect the immigration status of your children or family.
What is the income limit?
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $1,207 | $1,114 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $1,631 | $1,505 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $2,055 | $1,897 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $2,479 | $2,288 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $2,903 | $2,679 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $3,327 | $3,071 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $3,751 | $3,462 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $4,175 | $3,853 | $1,927 |
| For each additional person, add: | $10,175 | $848 | $424 | $392 | $196 |
How do I apply?
If your child does not get benefits automatically, you can fill out a SUN Bucks application. You can apply online or get a copy of the application at Delaware ASSIST. The application deadline for 2026 SUN Bucks is August 31, 2026.
How much will I get in benefits?
You will receive $120 in SUN Bucks for each eligible school-aged child in your household.
When will I get my benefits?
Most eligible households will receive SUN Bucks benefits at the end of May 2026. We will continue to send benefits during the summer as children are approved.
How will my benefits be sent to me?
Benefits will be loaded automatically onto SNAP EBT cards and SUN Bucks cards. You will receive the benefits for all eligible children in your household in one payment. If you have children in different schools, you may receive more than one payment.
DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR SUN BUCKS CARD. Please keep your card in a safe location and save it to use each summer.
Households receiving SNAP (food benefits) will get SUN Bucks benefits on their existing SNAP EBT card. Households that received SUN Bucks cards before will get benefits loaded to that card. Call 1-800-526-9099 if you need a replacement card.
Households getting SUN Bucks for the first time will get benefits loaded to a new SUN Bucks card that will be mailed to the address on file for their child. The SUN Bucks card will come with information on how to activate the card and create a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
How do I use my benefits?
You can use your SUN Bucks benefits to buy eligible food items at stores, online retailers, and farmer’s markets that accept EBT. Use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find stores near you.
Your EBT card works like a debit card. Only the people in your household can use your SUN Bucks card.
You must use your SUN Bucks benefits within 4 months after we load them on your card. Any unused benefits on your card will expire after 122 days.
| You CAN Buy: | You CANNOT Buy: |
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How do I opt-out?
Your participation in the SUN Bucks program is optional. To decline SUN Bucks benefits:
- Cut up and throw away your SUN Bucks card, and
- Call 1-866-843-7212 to have your SUN Bucks account closed
Contact Information
SUN Bucks Call Center: 1-866-843-7212
SUN Bucks Email: DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov
SUN Bucks Application: Delaware ASSIST
EBT Customer Service: 1-800-526-9099 | ConnectEBT| Download the ConnectEBT mobile app to your phone
Contact EBT Customer Service to activate your card, change your PIN, check your balance, report your card lost or stolen, or request a new card.
Other Food Resources
- Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder | Food and Nutrition Service
- Delaware ASSIST
- Delaware WIC
- Delaware 211
- Food Bank of Delaware
- USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273 for Spanish) for information on local emergency food providers, government assistance programs, and social services.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Please do not send applications or other program documents to the address, fax or email listed above. This contact information is for civil rights complaints only.