Applications for the 2026 SUN Bucks season are now closed. Applications received after August 31, 2026 will be considered for the 2027 SUN Bucks season and processed beginning next spring.
The SUN Bucks Call Center (866‑513‑1414) will continue to answer questions about existing applications through September 30.
Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed. Benefits will be added to your household’s SNAP EBT card. Eligible families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will be mailed a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card.
You can use SUN Bucks to buy groceries — including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat — at grocery stores, farmers markets and other businesses that accept SNAP EBT benefits. You can also double the value of your SUN Bucks by purchasing fruits and vegetables through Virginia Fresh Match (VFM). Find a VFM location near you at VirginiaFreshMatch.org/locate.
Most eligible families are automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks and will not need to apply, including:
Most children who receive certain types of income-based Medicaid, because their household's income is under the eligibleincome level
If you need to apply, you can complete a new online application or print and mail a paper application to the Virginia Department of Social Services. Applications received after August 31, 2026 will be considered for the 2027 SUN Bucks season and processed beginning next spring.
Welcome to the SUN Bucks eligibility journey. Does your child receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)orincome-based Medicaid?
Note: Only income-based Medicaid may qualify for automatic enrollment. Other Medical Assistance programs including disability-based Medicaid, Medically Needy/Spend-Down programs, and CHIP/FAMIS may not automatically qualify. If you are unsure what type your childreceives, select “Not sure.”
If yes, you do not need to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks. Your child is likely automatically eligible, and no additional action is needed. If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, they will be loaded onto your EBT card. Otherwise, a Virginia SUN Bucks card will be mailed to eligible households beginning in June on a rolling basis.
Select your child's school division (the county or city in which your child goes to school) or the specialty center your child attends.
If your child is homeschooled, click here. Homeschooled children not participating in other benefits program are not eligible to receive Virginia SUN Bucks.
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. Click here to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks!
If your income is more than the below amount, you are probably not eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks.
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Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed. Benefits will be added to your household’s SNAP EBT card. Eligible families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will be mailed a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card.
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