Once mailed, SUN Bucks cards typically arrive within seven to 10 business days. We expect cards for children who are automatically eligible to be delivered throughout the summer. We apologize for the inconvenience of the initial federal funding and card vendor delays, and we appreciate your patience.
All eligible children are getting new SUN Bucks cards for summer 2026. Old cards have been deactivated and will show as “lost” or “stolen” in the ebtEDGE app or when you call the number of the back of the card. DSHS is exploring options to reset the 122-day benefit expiration period for families whose benefits were issued but whose cards were delayed.
If your card is delayed, please don’t request a replacement card unless your address has changed. New cards will be mailed automatically. Card delivery times will vary and might be delayed due to card vendor processing times.
Please continue to check this website for answers to your frequently asked questions.
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program that provides a one-time $120 benefit per year to help families buy groceries for their school-aged children when meals aren't available at school during the summer months. Nearly 550,000 Washington children received SUN Bucks over the summer of 2025.
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For questions about the SUN Bucks program or your benefits, please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday (except observed holidays).
When can I expect benefits in 2026?
DSHS has started processing SUN Bucks benefits after a federal funding delay. Washington’s summer benefit period began June 15, 2026, and we’ve already issued SUN Bucks benefits to more than 300,000 children in June. The card vendor is working to mail cards as quickly as possible but is experiencing delays.
We will provide regular updates here.
Why will benefits arrive at different times?
Benefits and cards will be issued throughout the summer for various reasons, including:
- Schools provide their student list at different times of the year or start summer at different times across the state.
- DSHS checks to ensure benefits are not issued twice for the same child.
- DSHS is required to verify a sample of school applications by reviewing additional income documents from households.
- SUN Bucks cards are sent in batches after benefits are approved. Card delivery times will vary and might take longer than expected due to card vendor processing times.
Why can I see $120 benefit in ebtEDGE, but my child’s old SUN Bucks card doesn’t work?
You might see that the 2026 benefits are deposited into an existing EBT account, but the card is deactivated. We are working to mail new cards to all eligible children. Card delivery times will vary and might be delayed due to card vendor processing times.
Why was my card reported lost or stolen?
In 2025, DSHS received feedback from families that most households would prefer a new SUN Bucks card for 2026. We listened and are issuing new cards this year. To issue a new card, the previous card must be deactivated and will appear as “lost/stolen” in the ebtEDGE system.
Why can’t I request a replacement card?
Cards are being replaced automatically for all eligible children. Requesting replacement cards increases processing times and might slow the delivery of cards to families who are still waiting. Please wait for your new 2026 card to arrive. Do not request a replacement card unless your address has changed. If you need to update your address, call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230. Requesting a replacement card might delay your ability to use the correct card.
Do SUN Bucks benefits expire?
SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days after the date they are issued. Benefits that are redeemed, expired, lost or stolen due to skimming, phishing or other fraudulent activity won't be replaced.
DSHS is working with the EBT card vendor to adjust the 122-day expiration period for cards affected by mailing delays for benefits thatwere issued on June 1 and 2, 2026.
Is my child eligible for SUN Bucks?
Most children will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks if at any point from July 1 of the previous year through the end of the current summer period they were either:
- Enrolled at a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program AND individually approved for free or reduced-price meals at a school that isn't a Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 school**.
- Age 8-18 and a member of a household that receives benefits from TANF or SNAP.
If your child is automatically enrolled, you will receive notification beginning in June the summer following the most recent academic school year.
** Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 schools are those that serve breakfast or lunch at no cost to all students without the requirement to apply.
Do I need to apply for SUN Bucks?
We are processing benefits as quickly as possible throughout the summer, and your child might be included in a later issuance.
If you believe your child was not automatically enrolled, you can submit an online SUN Bucks application through Sept. 4, 2026. Your child might still be eligible by application if they are both:
- Enrolled at an NSLP or SBP participating school.
- Living in a household with income that meets NSLP Income Eligibility Guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
We encourage families to apply online for faster processing, but if you are unable to submit an application online, you may print, complete and mail a paper SUN Bucks application to:
DSHS Customer Service Center
P.O. Box 11669
Tacoma, WA 98411-6699
Paper applications are available in additional languages under Form 14-554.
Am I required to verify my income?
If you are automatically approved, you don't need to verify your income. Some families who apply might be selected at random for income verification. If you are selected, you will be notified in writing and asked to provide proof of income and other documentation, if needed. We must complete this verification before your application can be approved. The notification will include instructions on what to submit and how to submit it. All applications may be subject to additional questions or verification as necessary.
How will I know my child has been enrolled into SUN Bucks?
Where will my SUN Bucks card be mailed?
How do I change my address?
If you are moving or have moved, please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday (except holidays). If you have created an account, you can updated your address online at the SUN Bucks application portal.
What should I do if my SUN Bucks card is lost or stolen?
If you receive your new 2026 SUN Bucks card and then lose it, or benefits have been lost or stolen, cancel your card immediately. Follow the steps below to replace your card:
- If you need to change your address:
- Please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday (except holidays) to request a replacement card.
- If you don't need to change your address:
- Please call EBT Edge at 888-328-9271 (24 hours a day). Replacements may also be requested online at ebtEDGE.com or by logging into the ebtEDGE app.
Cards delivery times will vary and might be delayed due to card vendor processing times. Cards mailed by the EBT vendor will only be sent to the address in the EBT account.
What if I don't want SUN Bucks benefits?
If you would like to opt out of receiving SUN Bucks benefits, please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 to complete your request to opt out of the program.
What if my child automatically receives free or reduced-price meals through a Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 school, regardless of income?
SUN Bucks requires students to meet Income Eligibility Guidelines. CEP and Provision 2 schools don’t require income verification to qualify for free and reduced-price meals, so families with children attending these schools need to submit a Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit application, or CNEEB, with their school or a SUN Bucks application.
Income guidelines are revised on July 1 of every year. The income limits used to determine SUN Bucks eligibility are the limits in place on the date of application.
How can I use my SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks cards can be used at any authorized retailers nationwide where EBT is accepted, including at participating farmers markets, on uncooked: fruits, veggies, meat, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants that produce food.
Children can only receive SUN Bucks from one state or as part of one household at a time for each summer period. If we suspect you have fraudulently received or used SUN Bucks we may open a fraud investigation. If we determine fraud has occurred, you may be responsible for repayment.
How can I check my balance?
You can check your balance anytime by calling the number on the back of your SUN Bucks card, visiting ebtEDGE or using the ebtEDGE app.
Do SUN Bucks benefits expire?
SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days after the date they are issued. Benefits that are redeemed, expired, lost or stolen due to skimming, phishing or other fraudulent activity won’t be replaced.
Does SUN Bucks qualify for fruit and vegetable incentive programs?
Yes. If a family has a SUN Bucks card and a SNAP/EBT card, both cards receive additional benefits for purchase of fruits and vegetables. Visit Department of Health's SNAP Match to find participating retailers and farmers markets near you.
Am I eligible for SUN Bucks if I receive state-funded food or cash assistance?
Families who receive state-funded food or cash assistance through the Food Assistance Program or State Financial Assistance program are not automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. However, children may still qualify by applying and meeting the application eligibility requirements outlined above.
What are my SUN Bucks rights and responsibilities?
You can find your SUN Bucks rights and responsibilities in this document.