Economic & Employment Services

SUN Bucks 2026

Need help buying food for your children when school is out for summer?

Learn how the Kansas SUN Bucks program can help you!

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving SUN Bucks will not affect children or families’ immigration status. <

Applications are now being accepted for SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2026. Benefits will not be issued until summer 2026. Some households may be automatically eligible and will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 regarding SUN Bucks eligibility. Other households can create a DCF Self-Service Portal account or use your existing login to apply before 5 p.m. on August 31, 2026.

Click Here to Apply for SUN Bucks

Did you receive a message from DCF about SUN Bucks eligibility?

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What is SUN Bucks?

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a permanent federal program administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) to help families buy food for their eligible school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child to buy groceries. These benefits are issued as a single payment of $120. SUN Bucks benefits can be used to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, online retailers and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits. Visit EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov for more information.

SUN Bucks serves students who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals or whose household income meets the eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals. Some families will get benefits automatically without applying, while some eligible families need to apply to receive benefits.

SUN Bucks benefits are issued as a single payment one time per year. The benefit amount is subject to change each year in tandem with the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan. The amount will be announced in January of each year.

Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?

There are several ways a child can be eligible for SUN Bucks. Children who meet at least one of the categories below at any time since July 2025 are eligible for SUN Bucks.
- Children aged 7 to 17 in a household where someone has received Food Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) at any point since July 2025.
- Children enrolled in a Kansas school and have been approved for free or reduced-price school lunch (FRSL) at any time since July 2025.
- Children enrolled in a Kansas school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program AND live in a household that met income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals at any point since July 2025 BUT have not been determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals by their school.
- Children in the custody of the DCF Secretary and enrolled in a Kansas school are eligible for a one-time SUN Bucks benefit of $120. Relatives, non-related kin, and foster homes will need to submit a SUN Bucks application for children in their care after April 1, 2026, so the benefit can be issued to the correct address.

How do children get enrolled in SUN Bucks?

Many families will automatically get benefits without needing to apply. Households with an eligible child who can be identified by DCF will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 notifying them that their child is eligible for SUN Bucks. These households do not need to apply. Beginning in summer 2026, SUN Bucks benefits will be issued as a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child to an existing household Kansas Benefits Card (also known as an EBT card) or loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card and mailed to their home. Learn more about using and protecting your Kansas Benefits Card (EBT card) at EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov.

If a child's household did not receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 regarding SUN Bucks eligibility, they can apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov. SUN Bucks benefits will be issued beginning in summer 2026.

Children in the custody of the DCF Secretary and enrolled in a Kansas school are eligible for a one-time SUN Bucks benefit of $120. Relatives, non-related kin, and foster homes will need to submit a SUN Bucks application for children in their care after April 1, 2026, so the benefit can be issued to the correct address.

What information is needed if a household needs to apply for SUN Bucks?

When applying for SUN Bucks, the household will need to provide information about the child including their age, birth date, school, mailing address, and their household income. The following is not needed to apply for SUN Bucks: Social Security Numbers (SSN), proof of citizenship, and proof of income like paystubs.

How will children receive SUN Bucks benefits if they are determined eligible?

In Kansas, SUN Bucks benefits will be added as a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child to a household's existing Kansas Benefits Card (also known as an EBT card) or loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card and mailed to the child’s home. Learn more about using and protecting your Kansas Benefits Card (EBT card) at EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov

SUN Bucks benefits can be used just like DCF Food Assistance benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits. A full list of foods that can be purchased using SUN Bucks benefits can be found at What Can SNAP Buy? | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov).

SUN Bucks benefits will not be issued until summer 2026.

How much is the SUN Bucks benefit amount?

SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child to help purchase groceries during the summer months. SUN Bucks benefits are issued as a single payment of $120 each year. Sun Bucks benefits will not be issued until summer 2026. The SUN Bucks benefit amount is subject to change each year in tandem with the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan. The amount will be announced in January of each year.

When can households expect to receive SUN Bucks benefits?

If a child in the household is eligible to receive SUN Bucks automatically, the household will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026. SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child that will be added to the Kansas Benefits Card in summer 2026.

If a household applies for SUN Bucks benefits before and a child in the household is determined eligible, a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child will be added to the household's existing Kansas Benefits Card or loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card and mailed to the home in summer 2026.

Applications for SUN Bucks can be submitted through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov.

Learn more about using and protecting your Kansas Benefits Card (EBT card) at EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov.

Where can SUN Bucks benefits be used?

SUN Bucks benefits can be used just like DCF Food Assistance benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, online retailers and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits. Visit EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov for more information. A full list of foods that can be purchased using SUN Bucks benefits can be found at What Can SNAP Buy? | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov).

How long will a household have to use the SUN Bucks benefits?

SUN Bucks benefits will be available for 122 days from the date they were issued to the Kansas Benefits Card. The date of issuance is the date on the Notice of Action letter the household receives from DCF when their benefits are approved.

If a household is receiving DCF Food Assistance benefits, the SUN Bucks benefits will be spent first from the Kansas Benefits Card.

Unused SUN Bucks benefits will be removed from the card after 122 days.

Will receiving SUN Bucks affect a household's immigration status?

No. Receiving SUN Bucks does not affect the immigration status of any household member or make them a public charge.

Will receiving SUN Bucks affect a household’s eligibility for other programs?

No. Receiving SUN Bucks should not impact your eligibility for other programs. SUN Bucks benefits do not need to be reported as income for other DCF benefits.

Children can participate in SUN Bucks AND Summer Food Service Programs offered in their community. Families are encouraged to use both of these great resources!

If a family has moved, how can they update their address to make sure they get their SUN Bucks benefits?

Households can update their address by calling DCF Customer Service at 1-888-369-4777 or through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov.

Why did a household receive SUN Bucks benefits if they didn’t apply?

Many families will automatically get benefits without needing to apply. There are several ways a child can be eligible for SUN Bucks. See Who is eligible for SUN Bucks? for additional eligibility information.

What happens if a child was not approved for SUN Bucks benefits and the household believes the child should have been eligible?

If a child’s household did not receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 regarding SUN Bucks eligibility, they can apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov. SUN Bucks benefits will be issued beginning in summer 2026.

If a child’s household applied for SUN Bucks and were denied benefits, but believe their child is eligible, they can call DCF Customer Service at 1-888-369-4777. If the household disagrees with DCF’s eligibility determination they will be able to file an appeal through the local DCF office.

What if a household does not want SUN Bucks benefits?

SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child that is available to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. SUN Bucks benefits can be used just like DCF Food Assistance benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, online retailers, and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits. Visit EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov for more information. A full list of foods that can be purchased using SUN Bucks benefits can be found at What Can SNAP Buy? | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov).

SUN Bucks benefits are non-transferable. Selling, trading, or giving your EBT benefits to someone not in your Food Assistance household is illegal. If you receive a Kansas Benefits Card in the mail and do not want benefits, please destroy the card and contact DCF Customer Service at 1-888-369-4777 to let us know you wish to opt out of SUN Bucks.

Can households that receive SUN Bucks still participate in other summer meal programs?

Children who get SUN Bucks benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs offered in their community.

Can a household receive SUN Bucks benefits faster by contacting the local DCF office, the Kansas Department of Education, or the child's school district?

No. If a child in the household is eligible to receive SUN Bucks automatically, the household will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026. A one-time SUN Bucks benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child will be added to the Kansas Benefits Card in summer 2026.

If a household applies for SUN Bucks benefits and a child in the household is determined eligible, a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child will be added to the existing household Kansas Benefits Card or loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card and mailed to the home in summer 2026.

Applications for SUN Bucks can be submitted through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov.

For questions about SUN Bucks benefits or their issuance, please call DCF Customer Service at 1-888-369-4777.

Learn more about using and protecting your Kansas Benefits Card (EBT card) at EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov.

Is SUN Bucks going to be available every summer?

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a permanent federal program that will provide benefits for eligible children each summer.

SUN Bucks serves students who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals or whose household income meets the eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals. Some families will get benefits automatically without applying, while some eligible families need to apply to receive benefits.

SUN Bucks benefits are issued as a single lump sum payment. The benefit amount is subject to change each year in tandem with the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan. The amount will be announced in January of each year.

Is DCF sending text messages about SUN Bucks?

Kansas DCF began sending text messages in March 2026 to provide SUN Bucks information and reminders to Kansas households who have applied for SUN Bucks, have children who may be eligible for SUN Bucks, or have children that were auto-enrolled for SUN Bucks. These proactive communications are designed to keep you informed with important updates.

Along with letters you may receive from DCF in the mail, we may also send you text messages to remind you of important program actions such as reminders about your application status, when SUN Bucks benefits have been issued, and when your SUN Bucks benefits are about to expire. Text frequencies may vary depending on the reason for the text and your specific household needs. SUN Bucks text messages will be sent between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If your household would like to receive text messages about the status of your SUN Bucks benefits, visit the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov and make sure you have opted in to receive text communications from DCF.

Text #	Text Content	Why We Send It
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>! You've been enrolled in text alerts from Kansas DCF for the SUN Bucks program. We'll send updates about your benefits. For more info, check your mail or visit the Self-Service Portal at https://assistance.dcf.ks.gov. Msg & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt-out.	This text is to confirm that you have been enrolled to receive text alerts from DCF for the SUN Bucks program. If you do not want to receive additional text messages for SUN Bucks you may reply STOP.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. The children below have been automatically enrolled in <YEAR> <SUN Bucks>, a one-time benefit to help families buy food for school-aged children in the summer. You will be notified when benefits are issued to your Kansas Benefits Card. <List of Children’s Names>	This text is to inform you of the children who have been auto-enrolled in SUN Bucks. Families who receive this text message do not need to apply for the children listed in the text.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. We received your application for <YEAR> SUN Bucks. You will be notified when your application has been processed.	This text is to provide acknowledgement that DCF received a SUN Bucks application from the household.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. Your SUN Bucks application has been processed. You can check the status of your SUN Bucks application on the DCF Self-Service Portal anytime at https://assistance.dcf.ks.gov. You will also receive a notice in the mail with information about the decision.	This text lets you know that action has been taken on your SUN Bucks application.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. We currently show that <NUMBER> child(ren) in your home are eligible for SUN Bucks. Is this information correct? You can respond YES or NO.	This text is to confirm the number of children in the household who are eligible for SUN Bucks.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. Your address is important to ensure current and future benefits are issued to the correct household. The address we have on file is: <MASKED_MAILING_ADDRESS>. Is this address correct? You can respond YES or NO.	This message is to verify that DCF has your current address on file.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. Did you know that if your children qualify for Free and Reduced School Lunches because they receive Medicaid, they may also be eligible for SUN Bucks? For more information and to apply for this one-time payment, visit https://assistance.dcf.ks.gov.	This text is to inform households of their potential eligibility for SUN Bucks.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. <Amount of SUN Bucks benefit> was added to your household's existing Kansas Benefits Card or loaded onto a card and mailed to your address. For a lost or damaged card, call 1-800-997-6666. Find more information about the Kansas Benefits Card at https://assistance.dcf.ks.gov.	This text is to inform you of the SUN Bucks benefit amount that was loaded to the Kansas Benefits Card.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is Kansas DCF. As of <DATE> you have <DOLLAR AMOUNT> of SUN Bucks benefits remaining. These benefits were issued on <DATE> and if not used will be removed on <DATE>.	This text is to inform the household the amount of SUN Bucks benefits remaining on their Kansas Benefits Card and when those benefits will expire.
51523	Hi <FIRST_NAME>, this is a short survey from Kansas DCF. On a scale of 1-3 (with 3 being good), how useful was the Kansas DCF SUN Bucks messaging service?	This text asks about your experience receiving text messages for the SUN Bucks program.

What if a household has questions about SUN Bucks that aren’t answered here?

For other questions, please contact DCF Benefits Assistance at 1-888-369-4777.

Outreach Materials

SUN Bucks General Information Flyer

Spanish

SUN Bucks FAQ for Families

Spanish

SUN Bucks FAQ for Schools

Social Media Materials

The images below can be downloaded and used to share SUN Bucks information on your social media accounts. Example text is also provided.

Facebook/X/LinkedIn

Instagram

Copy Option 1: SUN Bucks is back for 2026! This one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child is available for families to help purchase groceries during the summer.

Learn more about SUN Bucks and eligibility requirements at: SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov.

Copy Option 2: Is your child eligible for SUN Bucks? SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child to help families pay for groceries during the summer months.

✅ Check eligibility at: SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov.

🗓️ Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on August 31, 2026.

Benefits for eligible households will be distributed this summer.

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