Food & EBT / SNAP Benefits

Alabama SUN Bucks 2026: $120 Summer EBT Benefits for Eligible Children

Alabama SUN Bucks 2026

Alabama SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 grocery benefit per school-aged child to low-income families for the summer. The program, also known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), is administered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Families can apply anytime through August 15, 2026.

What Is the Alabama SUN Bucks Program?

SUN Bucks provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child when school is out for summer. Benefits can be used to purchase food from authorized retailers, and the program may also be known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT).

This is the program’s second year in Alabama, and leaders say it has already been a significant success. With inflation and rising costs, hunger in Alabama is at an all-time high, with 1 in 5 children in the state struggling to access sufficient food.

SUN Bucks benefits are delivered in the form of a pre-loaded card that families can use to purchase groceries at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and online retailers. The card covers most SNAP-eligible foods, except for hot and prepared foods.

Who Is Eligible for Alabama SUN Bucks 2026?

A child is eligible for Alabama SUN Bucks if they were school-age and attended a school during School Year 2025-2026 with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the household meets the free or reduced-price school meals income guidelines. Eligibility also extends to children who attended an NSLP or SBP school and whose household received benefits through SNAP, TANF, Medicaid (through the school demonstration project), Foster Care, Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, or Head Start programs. Additionally, children of compulsory school age between 6 and 17 who receive SNAP or TANF but did not attend an NSLP or SBP school are eligible, including those in private, virtual, and home-school settings.

Automatic Enrollment — No Application Needed

Most eligible students will be enrolled automatically. This includes households already receiving SNAP or TANF, students directly certified via Medicaid, and students identified by their school as being in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or part of a migrant program.

Important: Students receiving free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision will not automatically qualify; however, they may still be eligible based on household income and should visit Alabama SUN Bucks to apply or receive additional information.

Benefits and Funding Details

Detail	Information
Benefit Amount	$120 per eligible child (one-time)
Benefit Format	Pre-loaded EBT card
Distribution Start	June 2026
Application Deadline	August 15, 2026
Accepted Locations	Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, online retailers

The $120 is a single payment covering June, July, and August combined — not $120 per month.

How to Apply for Alabama SUN Bucks 2026

Many children will receive SUN Bucks automatically if their household receives income-based benefits like SNAP or TANF, but some families will need to apply. To apply, visit alabama-sunbucks.com and check eligibility. Applicants will be asked to provide information, including the child’s name, date of birth, school, home address, and household income.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Visit alabama-sunbucks.com and click “Check Your Eligibility”
Confirm whether your child qualifies for automatic enrollment
If not automatically enrolled, complete the online or paper application
Submit by email to [email protected] or by mail to P.O. Box 241089, Montgomery, Alabama, 36124-1089
Applications are reviewed in May 2026. A letter will be sent regarding the child’s eligibility if they applied or are automatically eligible.

Required Information for Application

The application requires each child’s name, school enrollment details, and household income. Gross income before taxes must be reported for all household members, including earnings from work and Supplemental Security Income. Applicants must also disclose whether any household member participates in SNAP or TANF.

Deadlines and Timelines

Event	Date
Benefits begin being sent	June 2026
Application deadline	August 15, 2026
Application review period	May 2026

Because benefits are delivered via a physical EBT card through the mail, having a correct mailing address on file is essential. Families who have moved should contact their child’s school immediately to update address records.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Deny Benefits

Outdated mailing address on file with the child’s school
Assuming automatic enrollment when the household does not receive SNAP, TANF, or qualifying Medicaid
Missing the August 15, 2026, application deadline
Leaving household income fields blank on the application (blank fields certify zero income)
Not activating the EBT card upon receipt

Alabama SUN Bucks cards include a Lock/Unlock and alert feature available through the ConnectEBT app and website, allowing cardholders to prevent unauthorized in-store or online purchases. Families are encouraged to lock the card immediately upon receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Alabama SUN Bucks Program?

Alabama SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, provides a one-time payment of $120 per school-age child for qualifying families to cover grocery costs during summer break. The program is federally funded and administered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Who qualifies for Alabama SUN Bucks 2026?

Children who attended an NSLP or SBP school during School Year 2025-2026 and whose households meet free or reduced-price meal income guidelines qualify. Children whose families receive SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR will be automatically enrolled.

How do I apply for Alabama SUN Bucks?

Families can check eligibility and apply at alabama-sunbucks.com anytime through August 15, 2026. Paper applications can also be emailed or mailed to the Alabama SUN Bucks program office.

What documents are required?

The application requires each child’s name, date of birth, school name, current home address, and total gross household income. SNAP or TANF case numbers, if applicable, should also be included.

Why might an application be rejected?

Applications may be denied if household income exceeds free or reduced-price meal guidelines, if the child did not attend an eligible NSLP or SBP school during School Year 2025-2026, or if required fields were left incomplete.