Key Updates
- The SUN Bucks frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been updated. See below.
- Educators, community partners, and county offices: view the SUN Bucks resources toolkit.
- Use the SUN Bucks Search Tool to see if your child's school is part of the National Lunch School Program (NSLP) or Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Whether or not the school is NSLP or CEP may impact your child's eligibility (see "Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks" for more information).
What is SUN Bucks?
The USDA has launched a new, permanent program to provide food assistance to children and families during the summer. The SUN Bucks program will officially launch in summer 2024! SUN Bucks will provide grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with school-aged children during the summer months when schools are on summer break. SUN Bucks is sometimes referred to as Summer EBT.
SUN Bucks benefits are issued to debit-like cards (EBT cards) that families can use to purchase nutritious food. Beginning in summer 2024, families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer period.
SUN Bucks Flyer: English, Spanish.
Stay Tuned!
More information about the SUN Bucks program will be shared as it becomes available, including more details about eligibility, issuance dates, and frequently asked questions. Please monitor this webpage and the NCDHHS Instagram, Facebook page, and X account (Twitter) for the most up-to-date information and announcements.
Who Will Qualify to Receive SUN Bucks?
Some families will have to apply for the SUN Bucks program, but many students will automatically qualify for the program. Children will automatically qualify if they already participate in any of the following programs:
- Free or Reduced-Price (FRP) meals at school because they have an approved FRP application at school, or
- Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, food stamps), or
- Work First (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), cash assistance), or
- Medicaid with household income below 185% of the federal poverty level, or
- Foster care.
Is there anything I should do now?
View the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below to learn more about eligibility and where your benefit or SUN Bucks card will be sent.
SUN Bucks Frequently Asked Questions
About SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT (S-EBT), is a new federal program that helps families by giving them money to buy groceries during the summer when children are not in school.
Starting in the summer of 2024, families that qualify for this program will get $120 for each child that's part of the program. This money will be on a card that works like a debit card (called an EBT card). You can use this card to buy healthy food at places like grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.
To get SUN Bucks, the child must meet certain rules set by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Many students will qualify automatically, while others can apply. For more information see "Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?".
SUN Bucks will work hand-in-hand with other programs, such as summer meals for children (group meal service and meals to-go), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), to help provide children with consistent access to nutrition critical to their development.
You can use the SUN Bucks card to buy food at places that take EBT, like most big grocery stores, some farmers markets, and some online retailers. But just like with Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits, you can’t use SUN Bucks to buy food that's already hot or prepared.
Here are some things you can buy with a SUN Bucks card:
- Breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables
- Meat, fish, chicken and dairy products
- Bottled water and drinks without alcohol
- Seeds and plants that will make food
Some things you cannot buy with a SUN Bucks card:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Things that aren't food, like pet food, soap, household supplies, vitamins, and medicines
- Food that's already hot or prepared
The SUN Bucks benefit of $120 will be issued to each child that qualifies in one lump sum for the summer period. The benefit amount remains the same, regardless of when the child is determined eligible. Each eligible child will receive only one SUN Bucks benefit issuance.
SUN Bucks issuances will occur every two weeks from mid-June through the end of September as new children are determined eligible.
It's a good idea to check how much money you have on your card before you go shopping. There are a few ways you can check your balance anytime, any day. Using your card number, you can:
- Download the ebtEDGE app. You can download it for free from the Apple Store and Google Play.
- Call 1-888-622-7328 and follow the instructions.
- Visit www.ebtedge.com. Click on More Information under EBT Cardholders.
Visit “How do I check my Sun Bucks and/or FNS EBT card balance?” for more detailed instructions.
No, the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program was a program meant to help families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has now ended.
SUN Bucks is a new program that helps families get nutritious foods by giving them money to buy groceries over the summer. Some students who were eligible for P-EBT will not be eligible for SUN Bucks.
Unlike P-EBT, some families will need to apply for the SUN Bucks program. Many students will be automatically approved for it. To check if your child or children would be automatically approved or if they need to apply, please refer to “Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?”.
While some families will need to apply for the SUN Bucks program, many students will be automatically approved for it. To check if your child or children would be automatically approved or if they need to apply, please refer to “Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?”
Families who would need to apply for SUN Bucks will be invited to apply and will get an email or text to apply for SUN Bucks with instructions on how to find the application.
Children who are not enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) cannot apply for SUN Bucks. However, a student attending a non-NSLP school may still receive SUN Bucks if they meet certain criteria, please refer to “Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?”
Children who are not enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) cannot apply for SUN Bucks. However, a student attending a non-NSLP school may still receive SUN Bucks if they meet certain criteria, please refer to “Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?”
Soon, more details about how to apply will be shared on the SUN Bucks webpage and NCDHHS social media accounts. These accounts are on Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter).
Qualifying for SUN Bucks can be automatic or through application.
1. Many students will automatically be approved for SUN Bucks without families having to do anything.
A student will automatically be approved if they meet any of these criteria:
- They applied and were approved for free or reduced-price meals at school,
- Their family receives assistance through Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, also known as food stamps),
- Their family is part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, known as WorkFirst in NC, which is a cash assistance program),
- The family is eligible for Medicaid and the family income is below 185% of the federal poverty level,
- Or, they're placed in foster care
If your child's school doesn't have the NSLP or CEP program, they will only qualify for SUN Bucks if they are aged 7-16 (birth date should be between September 2, 2006 – August 31, 2017) and meet any of the above criteria. No application needed.
2. Some students will need to apply for SUN Bucks.
If your child goes to a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school but doesn't fit into any of the categories above, you'll have to apply. You will need to show proof of your family's qualifying income (see Table 1 below). Families who would need to apply for SUN Bucks will be invited to apply and will get an email or text to apply for SUN Bucks with instructions on how to find the application.
This is important: Children who are not enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) cannot apply for SUN Bucks. However, a student attending a non-NSLP school may still receive SUN Bucks if they meet any of the criteria listed in the first part of this question. Most public schools have NSLP, and some charter and private schools do too. Virtual schools and homeschools don't qualify. You can ask your child's school if it's a NSLP or CEP school. Some schools post this information online as well.
These requirements are based on rules from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Soon, more details about how to apply will be shared on the SUN Bucks webpage and NCDHHS social media accounts. These accounts are on Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter).
Yes, they are eligible. Eligibility for students who are members of the Cherokee Nation is based on similar criteria as other students. A student who is part of the Cherokee nation will be eligible for SUN Bucks if:
- They attend a NSLP or CEP school and receive Free or Reduced-Price meals (FRP), or
- Are between the ages of 7-16 and participate in the Cherokee Tribal Food Distribution Program (CTFDP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
If your child is part of the Cherokee Nation and you would like to update your address before receiving benefits, please do so with your CTFDP caseworker.
A child is considered migrant if they have moved to join guardians to seek temporary agricultural or fishing employment due to economic necessity. If this scenario applies to your child, they may be eligible for SUN Bucks if they meet the requirements. Please refer to “Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?” for more information.
Please refer to Income Eligibility Guidelines for North Carolina (185% of the Federal Poverty Line) effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024:
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26,973 | $2,248 | $1,124 | $1,038 | $519 |
| 2 | $36,482 | $3,041 | $1,521 | $1,404 | $702 |
| 3 | $45,991 | $3,833 | $1,917 | $1,769 | $885 |
| 4 | $55,500 | $4,625 | $2,313 | $2,135 | $1,068 |
| 5 | $65,009 | $5,418 | $2,709 | $2,501 | $1,251 |
| 6 | $74,518 | $6,210 | $3,105 | $2,867 | $1,434 |
| 7 | $84,027 | $7,003 | $3,502 | $3,232 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $93,536 | $7,795 | $3,898 | $3,598 | $1,799 |
| For each additional family member, add: | $9,509 | $793 | $397 | $366 | $183 |
Note: These guidelines are changing effective July 1, 2024. The table below will be updated at that time. View the July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 guidelines here.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a program started by the federal government that works in most public schools and some charter and private nonprofit schools. As part of this program, kids who meet certain criteria can get free meals or meals at a lower price through their school.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). It lets schools and education groups in certain places give meals to all students at no cost. They can do this without having to collect forms from each family about their income.
To find out if your child’s school was part of the NSLP or CEP for the 2023 – 2024 school year, you can call the school. Some schools also put this information on their website.
Please remember: Some schools use different programs to give all students meals at no cost. These programs are not the same as the NSLP or CEP meal programs and have nothing to do with SUN Bucks.
Students who attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school may be eligible for SUN Bucks! Important: Only some students are automatically eligible, while others will need to apply.
If a student attends a CEP school and participates in at least one of the programs below, they are automatically eligible and do not need to apply for SUN Bucks:
- Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, food stamps), or
- Work First (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), cash assistance), or
- Medicaid with household income below 185% of the federal poverty level, or
- Categorically eligible such as foster care, runaway, homeless, or migrant. Note: if your child is runaway, homeless, or migrant, their school must be aware of their situation to automatically qualify for SUN Bucks.
Eligibility will be decided for each child separately. All students who are eligible will get the same amount of $120 all at once for the summer, even if they become eligible later in the summer. For children who submit an application for SUN Bucks, NCDHHS may reach out if additional information is needed before eligibility can be determined.
For more details about who is eligible refer to “Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?” to see if your child would be automatically approved or would need to apply.
How Households Will Receive the Benefits
Eligible students will get their SUN Bucks benefits on either a new SUN Bucks card or an existing FNS EBT card. Please see the table below for more information on where your card may be sent.
Families should make sure that their school has their correct mailing address, especially for where they'll be over the summer.
| Which scenario applies to your child? | How will I receive my SUN Bucks benefits? | How do I update my address? |
|---|---|---|
| Scenario A: Our family/my child currently gets Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, food stamps). |
You will receive SUN Bucks benefits on your existing FNS EBT card. | There is no need to update your address to get your SUN Bucks benefits. |
| Scenario B: Our family/my child does not get FNS (food stamps), but does get Medicaid or Work First (TANF, cash assistance). |
You will be mailed a new SUN Bucks card to the address on file with your benefits caseworker. | If needed, contact your DSS office or caseworker to update your address. |
| Scenario C: My child is eligible for SUN Bucks but does not participate in FNS (food stamps), Medicaid, or TANF (cash assistance). |
You will be mailed a new SUN Bucks card to the address that was on file with your school as of April 1, 2024. | If needed, contact your child’s school to update your address by March 28, 2024. |
| Scenario D: I applied for SUN Bucks and was approved. |
Your Sun Bucks card will be mailed to the address you put in your application. | Contact a SUN Bucks customer service representative by dialing 1-866-719-0141 and pressing option 2. |
| Scenario E: I am in foster care. |
Your Sun Bucks card will be mailed to the DSS office that handles your foster care case. | Your caseworker will get the card to you, even if you move. |
| Scenario F: I am experiencing homelessness or am a runaway or migrant (see “If my child is migrant, are they eligible for SUN Bucks?” for more information. |
If you automatically qualify and there is an address on file (e.g., last known address with your school or benefits caseworker), your SUN Bucks card will be mailed to that address. If no address is known, your card will be mailed to your local DSS office for pick up. If you complete an application for SUN Bucks and are approved, the card will be mailed to the address listed on your application. If you selected the box that you do not have a stable address, your card will be mailed to your county DSS office for pick up. |
If you have a caseworker, please speak to them about updating your address. If you are applying for SUN Bucks, please list the most up to date address for your card to be mailed to or indicate that you do not have a stable address. |
If an original FNS EBT card has been lost or destroyed, a new card can be ordered at www.ebtedge.com, on the ebtEDGE mobile app, or by contacting the EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328. SUN Bucks benefits will not be added to P-EBT cards.
Children eligible for SUN Bucks on active Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) cases will see their benefits loaded onto their FNS card between June 14th and June 23rd. All other children will be mailed a SUN Bucks card, which may arrive any time between mid-June and early July.
Soon, more details about how to apply will be shared on the SUN Bucks webpage and NCDHHS social media accounts. These accounts are on Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter).
Yes, benefits do expire. SUN Bucks benefits will expire 122 days after the date they are "Available" after being issued to the household's EBT or SUN Bucks card, no matter when you activate your card.”
The application period has not started yet. Families identified as having a child (or children) who attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) will be notified with an invitation to apply for SUN Bucks through either text and or email. Instructions on how to apply will be included.
Soon, more details about how to apply will be shared on the SUN Bucks webpage and NCDHHS social media accounts. These accounts are on Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter).
The 2024 SUN Bucks application is coming soon. Households are encouraged to complete an online application, although a paper application option will also be made available in schools during May. The paper application will include instructions on where and how a completed application can be submitted.
Children in foster care will get their SUN Bucks cards sent to their local DSS office. Their case worker will help make sure the card gets to the child.
Children who automatically qualify for SUN Bucks and are experiencing homelessness or who are migrants, the SUN Bucks card will be sent to the last known address on file with their school or benefits caseworker or to their local DSS office for pickup if no address is known. To check if your child is automatically eligible, please see the SUN Bucks flyer (English, Spanish).
If you are submitting a SUN Bucks application and are homeless or migrant, you can either write in the best address you have or say that you don’t have a stable address. If you don’t have a stable address, you can write in the county of the DSS office that you’d like the card to be sent to and it will be mailed to that DSS office for you to pick up.
Visit “If my child is migrant, are they eligible for SUN Bucks?” for more information.
The SUN Bucks card might be issued in the name of the parent or guardian (listed in their school records or in their case file for other benefits) or in the student's name. It's fine to use the card that was given to you as long as you're taking care of the student and providing their meals.
If you're not taking care of the child, and the benefits were given to you by mistake, please call the North Carolina EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141 and press option 2.
If your child participates in a qualifying assistance program (FNS, Medicaid, Work First, etc.) the head of household for that case will be listed on their card. For FNS cases, this will be the household’s existing EBT card. For Medicaid or Work First cases, this will be on a new SUN Bucks card. See “What address will the benefits be sent to?” for more information about where your card will be mailed.
If your child does not currently participate in in one of the qualifying assistance programs, the parent’s name that will be listed on the child’s card will be determined by the information provided on their SUN Bucks application or FRP application on file with your child’s school.
The PIN activation code will be the birth date of one of the school-aged children in your house. Families should try the birth date for each student in their house, starting with the youngest one. You should enter the birth date using two numbers for the month, two for the day, and four for the year. So, for example, if the birth date is June 1, 2008, you would put in 06012008.
Any child who meets the eligibility requirements mentioned in “Does my child qualify for SUN Bucks?” can get SUN Bucks benefits for the summer, no matter their legal or immigration status. Getting SUN Bucks doesn't affect your immigration status, and it won't have an impact on any future immigration application you might submit.
No. SUN Bucks doesn't take the place of other food benefits. It's extra help on top of any other benefits you or your children might be getting. So, getting SUN Bucks won't keep you or your children from being able to get more help from other food assistance programs. Please see the “Other Resources” section to find other food programs that might help you.
If you don't want your children to get SUN Bucks, you can call the EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141 and select option two to choose not to be part of the program or just cut up and destroy your SUN Bucks card.
If you change your mind, you can choose to be part of it again by calling the same number before the end of the summer (August 31, 2024) to get SUN Bucks.
Yes, if you don't agree with the decision to deny your child's application, you can appeal the decision.
To do this, you need to submit a written request for an appeal or get in touch with the Hearing Officer. You can call them at 919-707-5600 or email them at dcfw.fns.admin@dhhs.nc.gov. But remember, you must do this within 90 days after the summer period ends (August 31, 2024). Any requests for an appeal that comes in more than 90 days after the summer period won't be considered. For the appeal, you can have a lawyer or someone else represent you.
You must include with your appeal:
A. Name of Requestor
B. Name of child(ren)
C. Student ID(s)
D. Action to be appealed
F. Reason for Appeal
G. Contact information (phone number and/or email)
Written appeals should be submitted to:
Division of Child and Family Well-Being,
Food and Nutrition Services Section
Attn: Hearing Officer,
2416 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2416
No, it is not possible to replace stolen benefits. For more information about additional food assistance programs that might help, visit “Other Resources.”
If your card was lost/stolen, it can be replaced. Refer to “Can I replace my lost/stolen SUN Bucks or FNS EBT card?”.
If your card has been lost or destroyed, a new card can be ordered at www.ebtEdge.com, on the ebtEDGE mobile app, or by contacting the EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141.
Please note that if benefits are used, the card can be replaced but benefits cannot be. To check your card balance, see “How do I check my Sun Bucks and/or FNS EBT card balance?” for instructions.
The SUN Bucks webpage will continue to be updated with new information about the program, so check back regularly to learn more about the program and get the latest updates.
Also, follow the NCDHHS social media accounts. These accounts are on Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter). Be the first to know! Announcements about the SUN Bucks program will be made through social media.
A SUN Bucks customer service call center is now available to help answer your questions. SUN Bucks agents will be able to answer questions about program information, the application and more.
Contact a SUN Bucks customer service representative by dialing 1-866-719-0141 and pressing option 2.
This webpage will be updated with new information about the program, so check back regularly to learn more about the program and get the latest updates.
To access your Cardholder Portal, visit www.ebtEdge.com. This makes it easy to check your card balance, review recent transactions and see when benefits will be available. You will need to have your card number to complete the following steps.
To create an online account or use the ebtEDGE mobile app, you will need to register with a valid email address. If you don’t have an email address, you will need to create one.
To register for ebtEDge, please follow the instructions below.
1. Visit www.ebtEdge.com and select “Register Here” on the login page.
2. Complete the required fields.
a. Unique User ID
Must be between 4-35 characters in length and contain at least one alphabetical character.
b. Password with Confirmation
Must be 6-8 characters and contain at least one upper case alphabetical character, one lower case alphabetical character, and one number. Special characters such as @, #, and $ can be used.
c. First Name
d. Last Name
e. Email Address
f. Phone Number
Enter only numbers - no dashes, parenthesis, or spaces.
3. You will be redirected to set up challenge questions. These help to make sure your account is secure.
4. Select a question from the challenge question drop-down and then input your answer. After all required fields are entered, select “Done.”
5. You will be redirected to link your account to your User ID.
6. Click “Add Account,” enter your card number and validation criteria, and click “Add Card.”
You can easily check your card balance four ways:
1. Online by visiting www.ebtEdge.com – read Option 1 below
2. Through the ebtEDGE mobile app – read Option 2 below
3. By text message - read Option 3 below
4. Through the EBT Call Center Automated Phone System – read Option 4 below.
Option 1: www.ebtEdge.com
To check your balance using www.ebtEdge.com, log into your account (see “How do I use ebtEdge (EBT Cardholder Portal) for my EBT account?” to learn how to set up your account). Your current balance and a list of previous transactions will show on the screen.
Your ebtEdge Cardholder Portal account will show if there are benefits posted and/or pending and when those benefits will be available for use. If your food benefit amount is listed under “Pending Items,” this means that you will not be able to spend them until the date listed below the pending deposit.
Option 2: ebtEDGE mobile app (available on iPhone and Android)
1. Download the ebtEDGE mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Look for the icon below to make sure you have the correct app.
2. Enable location services when prompted to do so. This helps find nearby stores that accept EBT.
3. Log into your account. If it is your first time logging in, you will be prompted to register (see “How do I use ebtEDGE (EBT Cardholder Portal) for my EBT account?”).
Option 3: SMS text messages
Checking your balance by text message (SMS) is easy. Your cell phone number will need to be linked to the account. Follow these instructions to link your cell phone number. You will need your cell phone, P-EBT or FNS EBT card number and PIN.
1. Log into your account on www.ebtEdge.com and select a card from the Welcome page.
2. Select “Messaging Registration” on the “Account Services” section of the Account Summary page.
3. Add your cell phone number with area code and click “SMS Balance” and “Text Alerts.”
4. Click on the “Save” button, and a confirmation message will appear.
5. Once you have linked your cell phone number and the account, you can check your account through text at any time.
a. To check your balance, text BAL to 42265.
b. To check your last five transactions, text MINI to 42265.
c. To stop receiving these text messages, text STOP to 42265.
Please note: If you have to request a new card, it will come pre-registered with SMS, and you do not need to repeat these steps.
Option 4: EBT Call Center IVR
To check your card balance through the automated phone system of the EBT Call Center, call 1-888-622-7328 and follow the automated instructions. Please have your card number readily available.
Other Resources
Below are other food benefit programs if you need help with food assistance now. Participation in these programs may also automatically qualify a student for SUN Bucks:
- Free or Reduced-Price school meals – provides children and teenagers breakfast, lunch, and snacks while they are at school at low or no cost. Contact your child’s school for more information and to apply.
- Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, food stamps) – these are food benefits that are issued to a debit card for families to purchase groceries. More information can be found at the FNS Homepage. Apply online here or find a FNS office closest to you by using our Local Department of Social Services finder.
Additional resources:
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) - Provides food assistance benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to healthcare and social services for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5.
- Visit the Food Research & Action Center for more information on the various food assistance programs offered in North Carolina.
- If you would like information on other options to get help with food, visit https://nc211.org or dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to speak with an operator who can tell you about food assistance resources in your area.