Summer Nutrition Program for School-age Kids

Your family may need to apply if:

1. You stopped receiving these benefits before July 1, 2024:
   • SNAP
   • TANF
   • Foster Care
2. An application will determine if you are eligible based on your household size and income. You can apply anytime through August 15, 2025.

Many children will get SUN Bucks automatically if their household receives other income-based benefits like SNAP or TANF, but some will need to apply. To apply, click on Check your Eligibility.

If you need to apply, you will be asked to provide information such as your child’s name, date of birth, school, home address, and household income.

Families will get a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child

Alabama SUN Bucks benefit will start being sent in June 2025.​​​ Families that need to apply can do so anytime. Applications will be reviewed in May 2025. We will send a letter about your child’s eligibility if you applied or are automatically eligible.

Your child is eligible, if:
They are school-age and your household already participates in benefits like SNAP, FDPIR, or TANF
Or,
Your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.

Alabama SUN Bucks are accepted at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and online retailers. Alabama SUN Bucks can buy most SNAP-eligible foods, except hot and prepared foods.

You can use SUN Bucks to pay for:

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Meat, Poultry, and Fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks

You cannot use SUN Bucks to purchase:

• Hot foods
• Pet foods
• Cleaning or household supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Medicine

Please keep your new Alabama SUN Bucks card. You might use it for future benefits.

Yes. The Alabama SUN Bucks card has a Lock/Unlock and alert feature available on the ConnectEBT app and website. This feature will allow cardholders the ability to lock and unlock their EBT cards to prevent fraudsters from making in-store or online purchases.

To use this feature, clients can choose one of the options below:

ConnectEBT App:

1. Download the app.
2. Create an account or log in with your user ID and password.
3. The "Lock/Unlock" option will be displayed on the home screen.
4. Select the “Lock/Unlock” option.
5. Client can select one of the following:
   • "Lock Card Everywhere" – This option will lock your card at ALL stores, including online. This is the DHR recommendation.
   • "Lock Card" – This option will lock your card at ALL stores outside of Alabama, but allows online purchases.

ConnectEBT Website:

1. Visit connectebt.com
2. Create an account or log in with your user ID and password.
3. On the home screen, click the tab labeled “Card”.
4. Select “Lock/Unlock” option.
5. Clients can select one of the following:
   • "Lock Card Everywhere" – This option will lock your card at ALL stores, including online. This is the DHR recommendation.
   • "Lock Card" – This option will lock your card at ALL stores outside of Alabama, but allows online purchases.