The SUN Bucks program (also known as Summer EBT) provides families with $120 per child in grocery benefits over the summer to help ensure children have access to nutritious food while school is out.
SUN Bucks Update as of July 2, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) directed Iowa HHS to return to federal SNAP guidelines, meaning all food items eligible before January 1, 2026, are allowed again. Stores have been instructed to make these changes as soon as possible.
Because the SUN Bucks program was already underway when this update took effect, foods that were previously eligible before the waiver will be allowed under SUN Bucks.
SUN Bucks Eligibility Checker
Discover if you're eligible for SUN Bucks!
Note: This is not an application for benefits. This is a tool to help identify if your child may be eligible for Summer EBT and if you should apply.
List items for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
There are two ways children can qualify: automatic eligibility and application.
A child is automatically eligible if:
They were in grades K–12 during the 2025–2026 school year, and their school took part in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), OR are 6-16 years old between July 1, 2025, and August 14, 2026.
All automatically eligible children must also meet at least one of the following:
How to Apply for SUN Bucks:
Families can apply for SUN Bucks using any of the following methods:
- Apply Online (Recommended)
Apply through My Access Iowa, the fastest and easiest way to apply.
You can download an English (219.45 KB) .pdf or a Spanish (224.7 KB) .pdf application and,
- Email Your Application
Email the completed version to:
[email protected] - Fax Your Application
Fax your completed application to:
515-564-4015 - Mail Your Application
Mail your completed application to:
Iowa HHS – Imaging Center
1407 Independence Ave
Waterloo, Iowa 50704
To be eligible for SUN Bucks, you must meet these household income requirements:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $8,349 |
| For each additional family member, add | $848 |
SUN Bucks benefits are available for 122 days from the date they are issued per 7 CFR § 292. Unused benefits expire at midnight on the 122nd day after being issued and cannot be restored. This means that on day 123, there will be a $0 balance in the account. Expired, lost, or stolen benefits cannot be replaced or appealed.
If you receive Iowa SNAP benefits on an existing EBT card, Iowa SUN Bucks will automatically be used before your SNAP benefits. Unlike SNAP, SUN Bucks expire 122 days after issuance, regardless of account activity. Please use your full balance before it expires. If your EBT card is lost, call EBT Customer Service right away at 800‑359‑5802.
Fill out this form to receive occasional updates from Iowa HHS about the Summer EBT Program.
Healthy Foods Restrictions_Iowa 12(l) Waiver Request Form (290.68 KB) .pdf (approved on 12/19/2025)
Iowa 12(l) Waiver Request Form_Intent to Administer and iPOM (243.55 KB) .pdf (approved on 12/19/2025)
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- 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;
- Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: [email protected].
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