Families are strongly encouraged to update their mailing address with their TANF, SNAP and the school their child attends in preparation for 2025 SUN Bucks benefits. The address on file will be used for delivering benefits.
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program that helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Nearly 600,000 Washington children received SUN Bucks over the summer of 2024.
Sign up for text alerts to be notified of SUN Bucks updates, benefit details, important reminders and answers to questions.
Who do I call for help?
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).
Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?
Most children will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks if at any point since July 2024 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 school.
- Age 8-18 and a member of a household that receives benefits from the TANF or SNAP.
If your child is automatically enrolled, you will receive notification beginning in June 2025.
Do I need to apply for SUN Bucks?
If your child is not automatically enrolled, you can submit an online SUN Bucks application. Your child may 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.
Online applications for SUN Bucks in 2025 are currently open through August 2025.
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.
How will I know my child has been enrolled into SUN Bucks?
Once eligibility is determined, each eligible child will receive an approval letter. A dedicated SUN Bucks card will be mailed separately and arrive about seven to 10 business days later. Families should keep their SUN Bucks card in case they are eligible for future benefits.
When will I get my SUN Bucks card?
Newly eligible children will receive a dedicated SUN Bucks card along with an approval notice with detailed program information. Children who received SUN Bucks in 2024 and kept their card will have benefits reloaded. For card replacements and other questions, families can call the dedicated SUN BUcks Contact Center.
Am I required to verify my income?
If you are automatically approved, you do not need to verify your income. Some families who apply may 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.
Where will my SUN Bucks card be mailed?
SUN Bucks cards will be mailed to the address on file at DSHS or at the child's school, or the address listed on the application. Families should be sure their address is correct at both locations.
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).
What should I do if my SUN Bucks card is lost or stolen?
If your card or benefits have been lost or stolen, cancel your card immediately. If it's a weekday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) to request a replacement card. Cards should arrive in the mail within seven to 10 business days. If it's a weekend or outside of normal business hours, login immediately to ebtEDGE.com or the ebtEDGE app to cancel your card and request a new one. Cards mailed by the EBT vendor will only be sent to the address in the EBT account. If the address has changed, contact the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 as soon as possible on the next business day to request an address update and get a replacement card. Replacement cards should arrive by mail within seven to 10 business days.
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.
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.com 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?
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 no longer automatically eligible for SUN Bucks in 2025. However, children may still qualify by applying and meeting the application eligibility requirements outlined above.
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