Delaware SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible school-age child to purchase groceries during the summer months. The program is administered by the Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS), part of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Most SNAP and TANF families are automatically enrolled — no application needed. Families not automatically enrolled can apply online, by email, by mail, or in person at a DSS office.
Delaware SUN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment) |
| State agency | Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS), DHSS |
| Apply online | assist.dhss.delaware.gov |
| Application deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Apply by email | DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov |
| Apply by mail | DSS, Attn: SUN Bucks, Lewis Bldg. P.O. Box 906, New Castle, DE 19720 |
| Phone support | 1-866-843-7212 (M–F 8:00 AM–4:30 PM) |
| TTY (English) | 711 or 1-800-232-5460 |
| TTY (Spanish) | 1-877-335-7595 |
| EBT card replacement | (800) 526-9099 |
| Address update | 1-866-843-7212 or DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov |
| Benefits expected | June–July 2026 |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| Key rule | DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR SUN BUCKS CARD — same card reused each summer |
| Languages supported | English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Chinese, and others via 1-866-843-7212 |
Who Qualifies for Delaware SUN Bucks
Automatically Enrolled — No Application Needed
Your school-age child will receive SUN Bucks benefits automatically without applying if they meet any of the following:
- Household receives SNAP (food benefits)
- Household receives TANF (cash assistance)
- Child receives income-tested Medicaid where household income is within the limits for free or reduced-price school meals (185% FPL)
- Child was approved for free or reduced-price meals through a school meal application and was certified eligible
- Child is enrolled in an NSLP school and has the status of: foster care, homeless, migrant, runaway, or Head Start
Medicaid note: Delaware distinguishes between income-tested Medicaid and other Medicaid types. Only children on income-tested Medicaid at or below 185% FPL qualify automatically. If you’re unsure whether your child’s Medicaid is income-tested, call DSS at 1-866-843-7212 to confirm.
Must Apply — If Not Auto-Enrolled
If your child is not automatically enrolled, you can apply if your child attends an NSLP or SBP school and your household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Apply at assist.dhss.delaware.gov or through one of the other methods listed in the key facts table above.
Delaware SUN Bucks Income Limits 2026
For families applying based on income (not auto-enrolled):
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,248 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $3,041 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $3,834 | $46,006 |
| 4 | $4,628 | $55,530 |
| 5 | $5,421 | $65,052 |
| 6 | $6,214 | $74,574 |
| 7 | $7,008 | $84,098 |
| 8 | $7,801 | $93,608 |
| Each additional | +$794/month | +$9,524/year |
Based on 185% FPL. Confirm exact thresholds with Delaware DSS at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss.
How to Apply for Delaware SUN Bucks
Delaware offers four application methods — one of the most flexible submission options of any state:
Method 1 — Online (Fastest)
Apply at assist.dhss.delaware.gov — Delaware’s online benefits portal, ASSIST. The SUN Bucks application is available directly through this portal.
Method 2 — Email
Download the SUN Bucks application from dhss.delaware.gov, complete it, and email it to DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov.
Method 3 — Mail
Mail the completed application to: Division of Social Services, Attn: SUN Bucks, Lewis Bldg. P.O. Box 906, New Castle, DE 19720
Method 4 — In Person
Drop off your completed application at any Delaware Division of Social Services office. Find office locations at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/ofclocations.html.
Application deadline: August 31, 2026. Applications received after August 31 will not be considered for 2026 benefits.
What You’ll Need for the Application
- Child’s name, date of birth, and school name
- Household size (all members) and monthly gross income for each
- SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid case number if applicable
- Your mailing address — where the SUN Bucks card will be sent
How Delaware Delivers SUN Bucks Benefits
Delaware loads benefits onto both existing SNAP EBT cards and a separate SUN Bucks card, depending on your situation:
- SNAP/TANF households: Benefits are added to your existing SNAP EBT card
- Non-SNAP households: A new SUN Bucks card is mailed to the address on file with DSS or the child’s school
Important — One payment for all eligible children: Delaware issues one combined payment covering all eligible children in your household. If you have children in different schools, you may receive more than one payment.
DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR SUN BUCKS CARD. Keep your card in a safe place and save it for use each summer. Delaware reloads benefits onto the same SUN Bucks card each year. Households that received SUN Bucks in prior years should watch for their existing card to be reloaded rather than waiting for a new card.
For activation steps once your card arrives, see activating your SUN Bucks card.
When Do Delaware SUN Bucks Benefits Arrive?
Most eligible Delaware families receive SUN Bucks benefits in June or July 2026. Auto-enrolled families receive benefits first. Families approved through applications receive benefits on a rolling basis after approval.
Replacing a Lost Delaware SUN Bucks Card
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged SUN Bucks card: Call EBT Customer Service at (800) 526-9099.
To update your mailing address: Call (1-866-843-7212) or email DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov — do not wait until after the card is mailed if your address has changed.
Multilingual Support
Delaware’s SUN Bucks program explicitly supports multiple languages at the same phone number — 1-866-843-7212 supports English, Spanish (Español), Haitian Creole (Kreyòl), Arabic (العربية), Chinese (中文), and other languages. TTY access is available at 711 or 1-800-232-5460 (English) or 1-877-335-7595 (Spanish). This reflects Delaware’s diverse communities in Wilmington, Dover, and Sussex County’s agricultural workforce.
Where to Use Delaware SUN Bucks
Delaware SUN Bucks work at any authorized SNAP retailer in the state:
- Major grocery chains — Acme Markets (Albertsons/Ahold banner), ShopRite, Walmart, Giant Food, Aldi, Lidl, Food Lion
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT in Delaware
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
- Online grocery ordering at Walmart and Amazon Fresh where SNAP EBT is accepted
Delaware SUN Bucks follow standard SNAP food rules — eligible for most groceries; not for hot prepared food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. See what you can buy with food stamps for the complete list.
Additional Resources for Delaware Families
Delaware SNAP: Apply through Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov. Check how to apply for SNAP in Delaware for step-by-step guidance and see Delaware SNAP income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check WIC income eligibility in Delaware.
SUN Meals: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites. No application needed. Find sites at fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites or dial 211. Rural Delaware residents can also check “SUN Meals To-Go” options for pickup or delivery in qualifying areas.
LIHEAP: Delaware SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements for energy assistance. See the LIHEAP application guide for how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Delaware SUN Bucks?
School-age children whose household receives SNAP or TANF, or who are on income-tested Medicaid at or below 185% FPL, are automatically enrolled. Children approved for free or reduced-price school meals and children in foster care, homeless, migrant, runaway, or Head Start status at NSLP schools are also auto-enrolled. Families not in those programs can apply by August 31 at assist.dhss.delaware.gov.
Do I need to apply for Delaware SUN Bucks?
Not if your child receives SNAP, TANF, or income-tested Medicaid, or was approved for free/reduced school meals. If your child isn’t automatically enrolled, apply at assist.dhss.delaware.gov, by email to DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov, by mail, or in person at a DSS office.
When do Delaware SUN Bucks benefits arrive?
Most families receive benefits in June or July 2026. Auto-enrolled families receive benefits first. Watch for your existing SUN Bucks card to reload if you received benefits in prior years.
Can I apply for Delaware SUN Bucks by email?
Yes — Delaware is one of the few states that explicitly accepts emailed applications. Download the form from dhss.delaware.gov and email it to DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov with your completed application attached.
How do I replace a lost Delaware SUN Bucks card?
Call EBT Customer Service at (800) 526-9099. If your address has changed, update it first by calling 1-866-843-7212 or emailing DHSS_DSS_SummerEBT@delaware.gov.
How much is Delaware SUN Bucks?
$120 per eligible school-age child, issued as a one-time payment. Delaware issues one combined payment for all eligible children in the household. Benefits expire 122 days from the date they are loaded.
For the full Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Delaware SNAP eligibility, use the food stamp benefit calculator.