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Benefit Programs / Food Assistance / Virginia SUN Bucks / How to Apply for SUN Bucks
Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible children get $120 for food during the summer.
Most families do not need to apply. However, who do not automatically qualify can apply year-round using the online application or the paper application that can be downloaded, completed and mailed to:
Download the printable application
Applications for SUN Bucks 2026 will be processed by VDSS beginning May 2026. Schools and local departments do not process these applications.
| Your Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Your household receives SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid. | Do not apply. Your child should receive SUN Bucks automatically. |
| Your child applied for and received free or reduced-price school meals this year through NSLP | Do not apply. Your child should receive SUN Bucks automatically. |
| Your household does not receive SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid and your child did not apply and was approved for free or reduced-price meals through NSLP. | You must apply for SUN Bucks. |
| Your child attends a school that provides free meals to all students (Community Eligibility Provision). | You should apply, unless your household receives SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid. |
| Situation | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Child is homeschooled | May not qualify |
| Child attends a virtual school | May not qualify |
| Child attends a non-public school that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program | May not qualify |
| Exception: Household receives SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid. | Child may still qualify |
You do not need to apply if any of the following are true:
Some schools offer free meals to all students without an application.
If your child attends one of these schools, you may still need to apply unless your household also receives SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid.
You must apply if:
You should also apply if your child attends a school that provides free meals to all students under the Community Eligibility Provision, unless your household already receives SNAP, TANF, or income-based Medicaid.
Your child may not qualify if they:
Exception: Children may still qualify if the household receives SNAP, TANF, or income-based Medicaid.
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