Summer EBT Info

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-aged 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.

Benefits of Summer EBT:

• Help parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children.
• Give families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.
• Improve food security and diet quality for participating children.

Program Requirement:

Virginia SUN Bucks eligibility for students attending non-CEP schools:

• Students directly certified for free or reduced-price meals through matching to the SNAP, TANF, Medicaid income-eligible, or foster care data in the DC file are eligible.
• Students extended DC eligibility from another student in the household are eligible.
• Students determined free eligible through categorical eligibility without application because of their status as homeless, migrant, runaway, foster care placement, are eligible.
• Students determined free or reduced-price eligible by a meal application are eligible.

Virginia SUN Bucks eligibility for students attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools**

• Students directly certified for free or reduced-price meals through matching to the SNAP, TANF, Medicaid income-eligible, or foster care data in the DC file are eligible for Summer EBT.
• Students extended free or reduced-price DC eligibility from another student in the household are eligible.
• Students determined free eligible through categorical eligibility without application because of their status as homeless, migrant, runaway, foster care placement, are eligible.

For students who have not previously established NSLP eligibility by one of these approved methods, or if eligibility status is unclear - parents or guardians may download the application from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) website at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/sunbucks/eligibility/ and mail the completed form to:

Virginia Department of Social Services
Attn: Virginia Sun Bucks
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Students are not automatically qualified for SUN Bucks by VBCPS meal application and will need to apply online through the Virginia Department of Social Services VDSS website.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Social Services Office or visit their website at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/sunbucks/. Please note that the Office of Food Services at Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) and your child’s home school are not responsible for the distribution of SUN Bucks benefits and are unable to assist with the application process or the issuance of funds.