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SUN Bucks Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT)

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Announcements

Summer 2026 SUN Bucks

If you are eligible for Summer 2026 SUN Bucks for the 2025-2026 school year, you will get your benefits in June. Check your mail often for your approval letter.

This year, letters come in new envelopes with a PO Box address in the left corner, followed by the DES and SUN Bucks logos in black and white.

An envelope with a PO Box address in the left corner, followed by the DES logo and the SUN Bucks logo in black and white.

For the latest Summer 2026 SUN Bucks updates, visit the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) website to learn more about SUN Bucks.

Please save your SUN Bucks EBT cards!

Remember to update your children's school with your current contact information and addresses.

SUN Bucks Overview

The SUN Bucks program offers grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children who lose access to free or reduced-price school meals during the summer when schools are closed. Eligible students will receive a one-time payment of $120. SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days after they are made available.

How will I receive SUN Bucks?

  • Eligible families served by DES will receive their benefits directly on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, alongside the Nutrition and/or Cash Assistance benefits they normally receive.
  • Eligible families currently participating in the National School Lunch and/or Breakfast Programs who do not already have an EBT card will automatically be sent a card loaded with their SUN Bucks benefits
    • Families who have an EBT card from previous years will receive benefits on that card
    • For all families,  it may take up to two weeks to receive their card in the mail.
  • Students who attended a school participating in the National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program but are not automatically eligible may apply for SUN Bucks online. Important: The last day to submit an application is August 3, 2026.

Save your letter! It has instructions on what to do when you get your EBT card to use it to purchase food items.

Learn more about SUN Bucks

Background

The SUN Bucks program was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration to support eligible households with school-age children in purchasing nutritious food during the summer months. The Arizona Department of Education partners with DES in the administration of the program in Arizona. A total of 604,000 Arizona children are estimated to benefit from the program this summer.

Update Your Contact Information

Keep your contact information up to date so you can get your EBT cards and important letters on time.

If you have moved, tell both your child’s school and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) your new address right away. This helps stop mail from getting lost and keeps your benefits from being delayed.

Follow these steps:

  1. Update with DES (Nutrition Assistance / SUN Bucks)
    Make sure your contact information is the same everywhere, especially if you get SUN Bucks or SNAP.
    • Online: Log in to your Health-e-Arizona Plus account to report changes or update your contact information. You can also use MyDES Connect to manage your case.
    • By phone: Call DES Customer Service at (855) 432-7587.
    • For SUN Bucks: Visit the SUN Bucks Summer EBT website for the latest information on your Summer EBT/SUN Bucks.
  2. Update at Your Child’s School
    Some programs, like SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, send EBT cards using the address your child’s school has.
    • Call or visit your child’s school or the school district registrar’s office.
    • Tell them you need to update your mailing address, email, and phone number.
  3. Check Your Mail and Track Your Benefits
    • USPS: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to see a digital preview of mail coming from DES.
    • EBT card: If you are waiting for a new card or want to check your balance, call 1-888-997-9333 or use the ebtEDGE mobile app.

​Contact Us

Do you need your case number to set the PIN on your card? Call 1 (833) 648-4406 any time, day or night, and have your card ready.

If you have additional questions, call the SUN Bucks hotline at 1 (833) 648-4406.

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