EBT Users Alert: Your Summer Deposit Might Already Be Waiting—Check This State List Now!

If you’re relying on food benefits to help stretch your budget this summer, you’re not alone. With kids out of school and groceries eating up more of our paychecks, many families are looking forward to the Summer EBT payments—also known as SUN Bucks.

So, when is the money actually coming? How much will you get? And what should you do if it doesn’t show up? Let’s walk through it, plain and simple.

What Is the Summer EBT Program?

Summer EBT (or SUN Bucks, depending on your state) is a special program designed to help families buy groceries during the summer months. It’s especially helpful because many kids who normally get free school meals don’t have access to them once school’s out.

Here’s what to know:

• Each eligible child can get $120 total over the summer

• That amount usually comes in three parts—$40 for June, $40 for July, and $40 for August

• The money goes on your existing EBT card if you already get SNAP, or you may receive a brand-new card in the mail if you don’t

When Will You Get Your Summer EBT Deposit?

Unfortunately, there’s no single date for everyone. Each state sets its own timeline, and they vary quite a bit. But here’s what we’ve seen so far for Summer 2025:

Michigan started sending out deposits in May.
Illinois released most payments between May 19 and 26.
Ohio began issuing funds around June 11.
New York is sending deposits starting June 18, with most families getting them by mid-July.
Arizona and Colorado kicked off their rollouts in early May.
California and Texas are expected to pay benefits in late June or July.

If your state isn’t on this list, don’t worry. Most are distributing funds between late May and mid-July. You can usually find exact dates on your state’s EBT or Department of Human Services website, or by using an app like ConnectEBT or Propel.

How Do You Know If You’re Eligible?

Your child is probably eligible if they:

• Already receive free or reduced-price school lunches

• Or your family receives benefits like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid

Most states use school records to auto-enroll kids, so even if you didn’t apply, your child might still qualify. Some states, like Michigan, allowed families to apply manually through late August—just in case they were missed.

How Will You Get the Money?

It depends on your situation:

• If you’re already receiving SNAP, the summer EBT money usually goes on your existing card

• If your child qualifies but your family doesn’t get SNAP, a new card may be mailed to your home

• Either way, check your mailbox and make sure your address is up-to-date with the school or state agency

What If You Haven’t Seen the Deposit Yet?

Here’s what you can do:

1. Check your balance on your card using your state’s EBT site, the customer service number on the back of your card, or a mobile app like Propel.

2. Look out for a card in the mail, especially if you haven’t gotten benefits before. Some cards are addressed directly to your child.

3. Call your local benefits office if you haven’t received anything by late July. For example, in New York, you can call 1‑833‑452‑0096 for help if your benefits aren’t there by August 1.

4. Make sure your information is updated with your child’s school or the state, especially if you’ve moved recently.

Why This Matters

Let’s be honest—summer can be financially stressful for families. School meals disappearing means extra grocery costs every week. The summer EBT program is a small but important lifeline. It helps families buy more food, maybe add a little extra fruit or protein, and not worry quite as much when the fridge starts to look empty.

These payments don’t solve everything—but they do make a real difference.

What You Should Do Now

• Keep an eye on your EBT card or your mailbox

• Check your balance regularly

• Reach out to your state office if you don’t get your deposit by August

• Ask your child’s school if they were enrolled for free or reduced meals, if you’re unsure about eligibility

Need help tracking your deposit or want the specific dates for your state? Just let me know where you live, and I’ll pull that up for you.