A fresh round of Summer EBT payments is arriving in July 2025, offering a critical food benefit for families with school-age children — but not every state is participating. While millions of kids across the country will receive $40 this month, others are missing out entirely because of where they live.
The program, known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks, provides $120 per child across three months — June, July, and August — to help cover food expenses when school cafeterias are closed. It’s meant to combat child hunger during summer break, and for many families, it’s a much-needed lifeline.
Who’s Getting Summer EBT in July?
If you live in one of the 43 participating states, tribal nations, or U.S. territories, your child will get $40 this month, typically deposited onto an EBT card or a mailed prepaid SUN Bucks card.
States actively issuing July payments include:
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California, New York, Michigan, Oregon, Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, Nebraska, Washington, and DC, among others.
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Tribal governments across Oklahoma, including Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Otoe-Missouria Nations, are also distributing benefits directly to eligible tribal households.
Each state has its own payment schedule. For example:
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New York began issuing summer funds in June, with additional deposits in early July.
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Michigan is sending July benefits either on Bridge cards or through newly mailed prepaid cards if families aren’t already enrolled in SNAP or other benefits.
If your family qualified for free or reduced-price school meals during the year, your child is likely eligible.
What About the States That Opted Out?
Unfortunately, 13 states have chosen NOT to participate in Summer EBT this year, meaning millions of children won’t receive July or any summer food benefits. The non-participating states are:
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Florida, Texas, Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Alaska, Iowa, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Mississippi, Wyoming, and parts of Oklahoma not covered by tribal governments.
Some governors, like Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Texas’s Greg Abbott, declined the federal funding, citing concerns over administrative costs or program design — even though 100% of the benefit itself is paid for by the federal government. Critics argue this decision leaves vulnerable children without the resources they need during the hungriest months of the year.
How Much Will Families Get in Total?
Each child eligible for Summer EBT receives:
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$40 per month for June, July, and August
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A total of $120 for the full summer
Families with multiple children will receive separate benefits per child. For instance, a household with three eligible kids would get $120 in July alone and $360 for the summer.
Funds can be used at any store that accepts EBT, including major supermarkets, local grocers, and even some online retailers. Items allowed include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and non-alcoholic beverages — but not hot food or household goods.
How to Know If You’re Getting the July Payment
Here’s how to find out if you’ll receive your July SUN Bucks:
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Check your mail: Some states are sending prepaid EBT cards labeled as “SUN Bucks.”
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Log into your existing EBT portal (like MyACCESS Florida or California’s BenefitsCal).
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Call your state’s SNAP or social services office if you’re unsure about eligibility or payment timing.
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Contact your child’s school — they often help with the application or enrollment process.
Payments typically arrive in early to mid-July, depending on your state’s system.
The Bottom Line
If you live in one of the participating states, check your EBT card or mailbox — that $40 July food credit could make all the difference for your summer grocery bill. But if you’re in one of the 13 states that opted out, unfortunately, no Summer EBT is coming, despite the rising cost of living and food.
Advocates are urging families in non-participating states to call their governors and push for participation in future years. Meanwhile, those eligible should stay alert for their benefits and use them wisely to help bridge the gap this summer.
