Families on SNAP or Medicaid Can Get $120 per Child in Direct Aid — Check If You Qualify

If you’re raising kids and dealing with high grocery prices, there’s good news. Some families in the U.S. could receive $120 per child this summer to help cover food costs. It’s part of a government effort to make sure kids don’t go hungry while school is out. Called “Sun Bucks,” this new support program is aimed at easing financial stress during summer break. Let’s break down who qualifies, how it works, and what you can use the money for.

SNAP

First, let’s talk about SNAP—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. You might know it as food stamps. This federal program helps low-income families buy groceries, supporting more than 40 million people in the U.S. each year.

SNAP is run by each individual state, but the money comes from the federal government. To qualify, families have to meet certain income limits based on how many people live in the household. If your total household income falls below the state’s set limit, you might be eligible.

SNAP has been around for decades and is considered one of the most effective ways to reduce child hunger and prevent deep poverty.

Sunbucks

This summer, the federal government rolled out a new benefit under a program called the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, or Sun Bucks. Families who qualify can receive $120 per child to help buy groceries while schools are closed.

The goal is simple: help parents feed their children when school meals aren’t available. For many low-income families, school breakfasts and lunches are critical. Without them, budgets stretch thin. That’s where Sun Bucks steps in.

Qualify

So, who gets this $120? Here are the main ways a child might qualify:

• If the family is already receiving help from programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid (in certain states).
• If the child attends a school that takes part in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and the family meets income limits.
• Even families not enrolled in any benefit program might still qualify if their household income is low enough.

The exact rules vary by state, so it’s a good idea to check your local agency’s guidelines.

Use

Once you get the money, what can it be used for? Just like SNAP benefits, Sun Bucks are meant for food only. Here’s a list of what you can buy:

Approved Items	Not Allowed Items
Fruits & vegetables	Hot prepared foods (like fast food)
Meat, poultry, fish	Pet food
Dairy products	Cleaning or household items
Breads & cereals	Personal hygiene products
Snack foods, drinks	Medicine or supplements

So, it’s all about helping families put nutritious meals on the table—not about non-food essentials.

Payment

If you already get SNAP, the $120 per child will be automatically loaded onto your EBT card—the same one you use now. If you qualify but don’t currently have an EBT card, the government will send you one in the mail.

Different states are handling the rollout on their own schedules. Some started payments in May, while others will distribute them throughout the summer.

Make sure to check your state’s Sun Bucks program site or contact your local food assistance office for exact dates.

Changes

Now for some big-picture updates. The federal government recently passed a law called the One Big Beautiful Bill. Sounds cheerful, right? But it’s bringing major changes to SNAP.

• The bill will reduce the overall federal funding for SNAP.
• States may have to pay more to keep their food assistance programs running.
• The rules for who qualifies are getting stricter.

For example, only certain groups will be able to get SNAP under the new law. These include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (in some cases), specific Cuban and Haitian migrants, and people from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau under certain conditions.

It’s more important than ever to stay updated and apply if you think you might qualify. Even if you’ve never applied before, it could be worth it now.

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