Families across Kansas can now apply for SUN Bucks, a summer food assistance program designed to help households purchase groceries for school-aged children when school meals are unavailable.
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a permanent federal program administered in Kansas by the Kansas Department for Children and Families. The program provides a one-time annual benefit of $120 per eligible child to help families buy food during the summer months.
The benefit is issued as a single payment and can be used like other SNAP EBT benefits to purchase food such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products and whole grains at grocery stores, farmers markets, online retailers and other locations that accept EBT.
Applications are currently being accepted for the summer 2026 program. However, benefits will not be issued until summer 2026.
Some families will automatically qualify for the benefit and will receive a notification letter from the Department for Children and Families confirming their eligibility. Those households will not need to apply.
Children may qualify for SUN Bucks in several ways. Eligible children include those ages 7 to 17 who live in households that have received Food Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families since July 2025. Children enrolled in Kansas schools who have been approved for free or reduced-price school meals may also qualify automatically.
Other families whose children meet income guidelines for free or reduced-price school meals but who have not been approved through their school may still be eligible but will need to apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal.
Children in the custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families and enrolled in a Kansas school are also eligible for the one-time benefit. Foster families, relatives or other caregivers must submit an application after April 1, 2026, to ensure the benefits are issued to the correct address.
Households that need to apply will be asked to provide basic information about the child, including age, birth date, school, mailing address and household income. Social Security numbers, proof of citizenship and pay stubs are not required to apply.
If approved, the $120 benefit will be added to an existing Kansas Benefits Card or issued on a new card mailed to the household.
Officials say the program is intended to supplement other summer food resources. Children who receive SUN Bucks can still participate in local summer meal programs offered through schools or community organizations.
SUN Bucks benefits must be used within 122 days of being issued. Any unused funds will be removed from the card after that time.
Families who did not receive an eligibility letter but believe their child qualifies can apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov or contact DCF customer service at 1-888-369-4777 for more information.