sunbucks

Find out if your student is eligible: Automatic enrollment vs. Application

Is my student automatically enrolled?

Most eligible students are automatically enrolled in DC SUN Bucks for Summer 2026 and do not need to fill out an application.

Generally, a school-aged student will be automatically enrolled if ONE of the following applies to them:

• Receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or DC Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits
• Is approved for free or reduced-price meals (FARM) at their participating school;
• Is in foster care or experiencing homelessness 

For detailed eligibility requirements, visit our FAQ page.

Students who are automatically enrolled with be sent an eligibility notice in mid-May 2026 by mail or email.

Do I need to apply?

If your student is eligible but not automatically enrolled, you can apply for Summer 2026. You are eligible to apply if you meet BOTH of these requirements:

• Your student attends a participating school during the 2025-2026 school year [Check the school list here]
• Your household income qualifies for free or reduced-price meals (FARM) [Check the income requirements here]

The online application will open June 8, 2026. August 23, 2026 is the last day to apply for 2026 benefits.

Steps for Families

Check Your Status

Use our quick online enrollment checker (coming May 15) to see if your student is already enrolled or needs to apply.

Receive Your Funds

Already have an EBT card? 2026 benefits will be added to your existing card.

New to DC SUN Bucks? Check the DC SUN Bucks Portal to see how your benefits will be delivered.

Manage Online

Need to view your payment details, order a new card, or update your contact info?

Skip the phone line. Manage your DC SUN Bucks account online (coming May 15).

Buy Food

DC SUN Bucks expire after 122 days. 

Spend them before they expire, and keep your card to use again next year. 

Call 888-304-9167 to check your balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will my student receive their DC SUN Bucks? 
Most students who are automatically enrolled will be issued DC SUN Bucks on June 11, 2026. If you apply or if your student is automatically enrolled later,  benefits will be issued throughout the summer after your student is approved.
 

How will my student receive their DC SUN Bucks? 
Benefits are issued as a one-time $120 payment. How your DC SUN Bucks arrives depends on your family’s situation:

• Households participating in SNAP or TANF: DC SUN Bucks will be issued to your household's existing EBT card.
• Returning DC SUN Bucks students (non-SNAP/TANF): DC SUN Bucks will be loaded to your student’s existing DC SUN Bucks EBT card.
• New DC SUN Bucks students (non-SNAP/TANF): A new DC SUN Bucks card will be mailed in your student’s name. Once it arrives, call 888-304-9167 to activate it.

More questions? Continue to our FAQ page.