Virginia SUN Bucks
Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families with the cost of groceries during summer break when most schools are not in session. In 2025, each school-age child that meets the program requirements receives a one-time payment of $120. Benefits will be issued either on a family's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or a pre-loaded Virginia SUN Bucks card that looks like a debit card.
The Virginia SUN Bucks benefit can be used to purchase groceries like fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits.
The good news is many families automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks and will not need to apply to receive this benefit. If your family receives SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or your child receives meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), your child automatically qualifies for SUN Bucks. Most children who receive income-based Medical Assistance are also automatically eligible for SUN Bucks because their income is under the eligible income level.
If you are unsure if your child is eligible, click on the Apply card below to find the Virginia SUN Bucks application. Follow the instructions to complete it and mail it to the Virginia Department of Social Services. Virginia SUN Bucks 2025 will issue benefits on a rolling basis beginning in mid-July to qualifying children.
Select your child's school division (the county or city in which your child goes to school) or the specialty center your child goes to.
If your child is homeschooled, click here.
One way to be automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks is by already receiving benefits through another eligible program.
Does your household receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medical Assistance benefits based on your income?
You do not need to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks. You are likely automatically eligible, and no additional action is needed. Virginia SUN Bucks cards will be mailed to eligible households beginning mid-July. Learn more.
That's okay. Let's check your eligibility one more way.
Some families are eligible to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks based on their income. The program has income limits for eligibility, so your household income must be under the maximum income limits for your household size. Use the dropdown menu below to view the maximum income limits for Virginia SUN Bucks.
If your income is at the amount listed or below, you may be eligible. Apply for Virginia SUN Bucks!
If your income is more than the below amount, you are probably not eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks. Learn more.
One way to be automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks is by applying and being approved for free and reduced-price school meals.
Did your child apply for and receive free or reduced-price school meals at school this year through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)?
That's okay. Let's check your eligibility another way.
Does your household receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medical Assistance benefits based on your income?
Let's try one more way.
Some families are eligible to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks just based on their income. The program has income limits for eligibility, so your household income must be under the maximum income limits for your household size. Use the dropdown menu below to view the maximum income limits for Virginia SUN Bucks.
If your income is at the amount listed or below, you may be eligible. Apply for Virginia SUN Bucks.
If your income is higher than the below amount, you are probably not eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks. Learn more.
If yes, you do not need to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks. Your child is likely automatically eligible based on your application and approval for school meals, and no additional action is needed. A Virginia SUN Bucks card will be mailed to eligible households beginning in July. If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, they will be loaded onto your EBT card. Learn more.
You do not need to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks. You are likely automatically eligible, and no additional action is needed. If you have a SNAP EBT card, your benefits will be loaded onto that card beginning in July. If not, Virginia SUN Bucks cards will be mailed to eligible households beginning in July. Learn more.
