Alabama SUN Bucks is a new summer food benefit program that provides eligible families with a one‑time grocery benefit of $120 per qualifying school‑aged child for the summer of 2026.
This benefit is part of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families get nutritious food when school meals are not available.
The program is administered in Alabama by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).
Families should understand how SUN Bucks works and what deadlines and eligibility rules apply for 2026.
What Are Alabama SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks provides a summer grocery benefit worth $120 per eligible school‑aged child to help families cover food costs while schools are out for summer. This benefit is issued in the form of a pre‑loaded EBT card that works similarly to SNAP EBT cards.
Families can use these benefits to buy food items at approved grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and online retailers that accept EBT payments. Items that can be purchased include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and snacks.
SUN Bucks cannot be used to buy hot prepared foods, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, or medicine.
Who Is Eligible for Alabama SUN Bucks?
Children qualify for Alabama SUN Bucks if they meet at least one of the following conditions during the 2025‑2026 school year:
- They attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and their household income meets the free or reduced‑price school meals guidelines.
- They are automatically eligible because the household receives income‑based benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid.
- They are in certain special categories such as foster care, homeless, migrant, runaway, or enrolled in Head Start, depending on program participation.
Children who qualify through direct certification (for example through SNAP or TANF) will usually be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks.
Households that do not receive these benefits but meet income and school meal criteria must apply to the program.
How Do I Apply for Alabama SUN Bucks?
Most families that are already receiving benefits like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid will not need to apply because they are automatically enrolled.
For those who must apply, you can start the process by visiting the official Alabama SUN Bucks website.
On the site you can check eligibility and complete an application. If you prefer, you may also submit a paper application by downloading it from the SUN Bucks site and sending it by email or mail to the address listed on the application instructions.
Application Deadline for 2026
The official deadline to apply for Alabama SUN Bucks for the 2026 program year is August 15, 2026.
Applications received by this date are reviewed for eligibility and families are notified if they qualify.
Children who are automatically enrolled still receive benefits without submitting an application.
When Will SUN Bucks Benefits Be Issued in 2026?
For 2026, SUN Bucks benefits begin issuing in June for children who qualify and are automatically enrolled or after their application is approved. Families that enroll later in the season may have their benefits issued throughout the summer as eligibility is confirmed.
The official Alabama SUN Bucks site confirms that benefits distribution starts in June and continues as applications are processed.
Once approved, families receive notification and the SUN Bucks benefit is loaded onto an EBT card. Sometimes families may receive a new card in the mail if they are new to the program.
Cards issued in previous years may be reloaded with the new benefit for 2026 if the same card was used previously.
Where Can SUN Bucks Be Used?
SUN Bucks can be used at many grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and online retailers that accept EBT benefits.
The list of eligible food items aligns with SNAP rules for what can be purchased.
How Long Do Benefits Last?
The benefits loaded onto a SUN Bucks EBT card in 2026 are typically valid for 122 days (about four months) from the date they are issued.
After this period, any unused funds may expire and cannot be reloaded for that program year. Families are encouraged to plan their grocery spending within this timeframe.
How Do I Contact SUN Bucks Support?
If you have questions, need to update your address, or want help with your application, contact Alabama SUN Bucks customer service:
- Phone: 1‑800‑443‑3536
- Email: support@alabama‑sunbucks.com
