To qualify for the $120 SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) benefit in 2026, your household income must fall at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
For a family of four living in the 48 contiguous states, the annual gross income limit is $59,478.
If your child already receives SNAP, TANF, or attends a school with free/reduced-price meals, they are likely automatically enrolled.
However, if you are not on public assistance, you must meet the specific income brackets below to receive the grocery benefit this summer.
Official 2025–2026 Income Eligibility Chart (185% FPL)
These figures are finalized by the USDA and are effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
This table is the “Source of Truth” that state agencies use to approve or deny your Summer EBT application.
| Household Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Twice Per Month | Every 2 Weeks | Weekly Income |
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $1,207 | $1,114 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $1,631 | $1,505 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $2,055 | $1,897 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $2,479 | $2,288 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $2,903 | $2,679 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $3,327 | $3,071 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $3,751 | $3,462 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $4,175 | $3,853 | $1,927 |
| Each Add’l | +$10,175 | +$848 | +$424 | +$392 | +$196 |
How to Read This Chart:
• Identify your Household Size: Count everyone living in your home who shares income and expenses (including children).
• Choose your Pay Frequency: If you are paid weekly, look at the Weekly Income column. If your total gross pay is less than or equal to that number, your child likely qualifies.
• The Rounding Up Rule: Federal agencies calculate eligibility by converting all income frequencies to an annual figure.
Under Official USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) guidelines, all income calculations are converted to an annual figure.
During this conversion, any fractions of a dollar are rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.
Even if you are $1 over the limit, the system will typically trigger a denial.
• If your income is”on the edge, double-check that you aren’t accidentally counting Excluded Income like Housing Subsidies or certain Military Allowances, which could bring you back under the limit.
Important Note for Alaska and Hawaii:
Due to higher living costs, the income limits for Alaska and Hawaii are significantly higher.
For example, a family of four in Alaska can earn up to $74,352, and in Hawaii up to $68,414.
How to Calculate Your Income (The “Gross vs. Net” Trap)
Many families are denied benefits simply because they report the wrong income type.
To ensure your application is bulletproof, follow these USDA rules
1. Use Gross Income: For most workers, you must report your total pay before taxes, Social Security, or insurance are taken out.
If your paycheck “take-home” is $1,000 but the gross is $1,300, the agency will use $1,300
2.Self-Employed Exception: If you own a small business or farm, you are allowed to report Net Income (your profit after business expenses are deducted).
3. The Rounding Factor: Federal agencies round all income calculations up to the next whole dollar. If you are $1 over the limit, it usually results in a denial.
Who Qualifies Automatically? (No Income Check Required)
If your child falls into one of these categories, you can skip the income chart.
You are “Categorically Eligible” regardless of your salary:
• SNAP/TANF/FDPIR : Your household is already verified.
• Foster Children: They are eligible as a “household of one,” regardless of the foster parents’ income.
• Migrant/Homeless Students: Automatically eligible through school designation.
• Medicaid: In specific states using “Direct Certification,” Medicaid families are automatically approved.
What if My State Opted Out for 2026?
States like Texas, Florida, and Georgia have historically opted out of the SUN Bucks program.
If you live in an opt-out state, these income limits will still apply for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals, but you will not receive the $120 Summer EBT card.
Check our [Full 2026 State Participation Map] to see if your state is participating this year.
Income Rules for Military Families
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my 2025 Tax Return determine my eligibility?
Not necessarily. Schools and SUN Bucks agencies look at your current monthly income. If you lost your job recently, you can apply based on your new, lower income.
Are SUN Bucks considered a Public Charge?
No. Receiving SUN Bucks does not affect your immigration status and is not considered a public charge by the USCIS.
What happens if my income increases mid-summer?
Once you are approved for the summer benefit, a mid-season pay raise typically does not disqualify you for that specific cycle.
Data Sources & Official Verification
To maintain transparency and accuracy, this data is sourced directly from:
• Official Federal Notice: Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines (90 FR 11938)
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) Portal
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. We are an independent research site and not affiliated with the USDA or any government entity. Always apply through your official state DHS or school district website.