$120 SNAP Payment Arriving on July 20, 2025 – Steps You Need to Take to Receive It

If you’ve heard about the $120 SNAP payment set to arrive in July 2025, you’re probably wondering who qualifies, how it’s distributed, and what it means for your household. This benefit is part of the SUN Bucks initiative, officially known as the Summer EBT program. It provides food assistance for eligible children during the summer when school meal programs are unavailable.

Whether you’re a parent trying to feed your family, a social worker assisting clients, or a teacher looking to help your students, this guide will break down everything you need to know.

Overview

Here’s a quick look at the essential facts surrounding the upcoming $120 SNAP payment:

Feature	Details
Payment Amount	$120 per eligible child
Program Name	SUN Bucks / Summer EBT
Eligibility	SNAP, school meal programs, TANF, FDPIR, or income-based
Enrollment	Mostly automatic; manual application in some cases
Payment Date	Starting 20 July 2025
Application Deadline	Varies by state; as early as July 15, 2025
Payment Method	EBT card (existing or new)
Expiration Period	Must use funds within 122 days of issuance
Official Resource	fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks

What

SUN Bucks is a federally funded program that helps families afford groceries during summer when schools are closed and meal programs stop. Each qualifying child receives $120 loaded onto an EBT card to help cover food costs. These benefits can be used at most stores that accept SNAP.

With rising grocery costs and millions of families facing food insecurity, this seasonal assistance can ease some of the financial burden during the summer months.

Who

Not every household qualifies automatically, but many do. Here’s a breakdown:

1. SNAP Recipients
If your household already gets SNAP benefits, your children are likely enrolled in SUN Bucks automatically. You may not need to do anything.

2. Students in Free or Reduced-Price School Meals
Children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) qualify. Even those attending a school under the Community Eligibility Provision might be included—check with your school.

3. Participants in Other Federal Programs
Families involved in TANF, FDPIR, or similar assistance programs are generally eligible. Some states use these records to auto-enroll children.

4. Income-Based Families
Even if you’re not in a listed program, you may qualify based on income. Households under 185 percent of the federal poverty level can apply. For example, a family of four earning less than about $55,500 may be eligible.

Apply

Most families will be enrolled automatically. Still, it’s a good idea to confirm your contact details and look for any official letters or emails from your local school district or SNAP office.

Manual Application
If you’re not automatically enrolled:

• Visit your state’s human services or education department website
• Complete the application with income details and school enrollment info
• Submit by your state’s deadline

Some states, like Michigan, have an early deadline of July 15, 2025, but most allow applications through late August.

Receive

The $120 benefit is delivered via EBT card. You may receive it in two ways:

1. Loaded onto your existing SNAP EBT card
2. Sent on a new EBT card by mail

Keep your address current with your school or state agency to avoid delivery issues.

Use It or Lose It
Funds must be used within 122 days of when they’re issued. After that, unused dollars expire.

Spend

You can use your SUN Bucks at any retailer that accepts SNAP. That includes:

• Large chains like Walmart, Kroger, Target
• Discount stores like Aldi and Save-A-Lot
• Farmers markets
• Some convenience stores

Approved Foods Include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Bread, pasta, cereal
• Milk, cheese, and eggs
• Frozen food
• Infant formula

Not Approved:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• Hot prepared foods
• Vitamins and supplements
• Pet food and paper goods

Tips

Maximize your $120 benefit with these simple strategies:

• Plan meals in advance to cut down waste and save money
• Buy in bulk and store extra food for later
• Use store-brand items instead of name brands
• Double Up: Some states match SNAP dollars for fruits and veggies
• Check clearance aisles for near-expiration discounts
• Freeze leftovers to avoid throwing food away

FAQs