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 2026 SUN Bucks operational period ended on August 14, 2026. Please check back or sign up for updates to be notified when the 2027 SUN Bucks online portal becomes available.
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:
2026 SUN Bucks applications are closed. Applications for the 2027 SUN Bucks will be posted at a later date.
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 or a Spanish 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: (07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,461 |
| 2 | $3,337 |
| 3 | $4,212 |
| 4 | $5,088 |
| 5 | $5,964 |
| 6 | $6,839 |
| 7 | $7,715 |
| 8 | $8,591 |
| For each additional family member, add | $876 |
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.
You Will Not Be Discriminated Against - It is the policy of HHS to provide equal treatment in employment and provision of services to applicants, employees and clients without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political belief or veteran status. If you feel HHS has discriminated against or harassed you, please send a letter detailing your complaint to: HHS, Bureau of Human Resources, 321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319 or via email [email protected].
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Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- 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].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.