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. The state will align allowable SUN Bucks purchases with the Healthy SNAP Waiver, which took effect on January 1, 2026. This aims to ensure that SNAP and SUN Bucks meet the program's mission: supplementing families’ nutritional needs. The purchases of taxable foods such as candy, soda, and some store-prepared foods are ineligible for purchase with SNAP and SUN Bucks benefits.
List items for S-EBT (SUN Bucks)
Students are automatically eligible for 2026 Iowa SUN Bucks if, during school year 2025-26, they were enrolled in an Iowa school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and also met one of the following:
Their household received Medicaid with a household income equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level
They were in foster care
They were approved for free or reduced price school meals after completing a free and reduced price meal application at school, or through categorical eligibility (homeless, runaway, migrant)
Children are also automatically eligible if, between the dates of July 1, 2025, and Aug. 14, 2026, they were between the ages of 6 and 16 and, also during these dates, they met one of the following:
Their household received benefits through SNAP or FIP
Their household received Medicaid with a household income equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level
They were in foster care
Most eligible children will be automatically enrolled in Iowa SUN Bucks and will not need to complete an application to receive benefits cards, which will automatically be sent to the address on file.
Adult Medicaid Income
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 of issue, per 7 CFR § 292. Unused benefits expire on day 123 and cannot be restored. This means that on day 123, the account will have a $0 balance. 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.
