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 aligns 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.
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. The application will be available in early June.
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:
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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