Missouri SUN Bucks — officially written “SuN Bucks” in Missouri state materials — provides $120 per eligible school-age child for summer grocery purchases. The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Children in households receiving SNAP or Temporary Assistance are automatically enrolled. Families not automatically enrolled apply using the MOSB-1 form through the DSS Family Support Division by August 31, 2026.
Missouri is participating in SuN Bucks for the third consecutive year in 2026.
Missouri SuN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Program name | Missouri SuN Bucks (note: “SuN” not “SUN” in state materials) |
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child ages 7–17 (one-time payment) |
| State lead agency | Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) |
| Partner agency | Missouri DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) |
| Official page | mydss.mo.gov/SUNBucks |
| Eligibility navigator | mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility |
| Apply / MOSB-1 upload | mydssupload.mo.gov |
| Application deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| DSS email updates | Subscribe at mydss.mo.gov/SUNBucks |
| Benefits issued | Auto-enrolled: as soon as possible; application-approved: rolling |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| EBT card delivery | SNAP/TA households: existing EBT card; others: new EBT card mailed |
Missouri’s “SuN Bucks” Spelling
Missouri consistently writes the program name as “SuN Bucks” in its official materials — with a lowercase “u” and uppercase “N” — distinguishing it from the federal “SUN Bucks” branding. This article uses both forms for findability but reflects Missouri’s official styling where appropriate.
Who Qualifies for Missouri SuN Bucks
Missouri’s age window for SuN Bucks is ages 7 through 17 — matching Minnesota and Kansas.
Automatically Eligible — No Application Needed
Your child does NOT need to apply if they meet any of the following:
- Household already participates in SNAP (Missouri food assistance)
- Household already participates in Temporary Assistance (Missouri’s TANF program)
- Child is enrolled in Head Start
- Child is in foster care, homeless, or a migrant
- Child attends an NSLP or SBP school and household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price meals — school meal certification data is forwarded automatically
Use the Missouri eligibility navigator at mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility to confirm whether your child is automatically eligible before applying.
Medicaid pathway — application required: Children ages 7–17 with active Medicaid coverage in households with income at or below 185% FPL are eligible — but must apply rather than being auto-enrolled. Check the eligibility navigator first.
Must Apply — Non-Auto-Enrolled Families
Families who don’t meet the auto-enrollment criteria above, and who believe their child attends an NSLP school and the household meets income guidelines, must submit the MOSB-1 form to the DSS Family Support Division.
Apply online at mydssupload.mo.gov, or submit by fax or mail to the Family Support Division.
Missouri SuN Bucks Income Limits 2026
For families applying based on income (not auto-enrolled through SNAP/TA or school meal certification):
| 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 (free and reduced-price meals threshold). Confirm thresholds at mydss.mo.gov/SUNBucks.
How to Apply for Missouri SuN Bucks — The MOSB-1 Form
Missouri’s application process is centered on the MOSB-1 form — the official Missouri SuN Bucks application document specific to the state.
Step 1 — Use the Eligibility Navigator First
Visit mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility and answer the questions. The navigator tells you immediately whether your child is auto-enrolled or needs to apply. This prevents unnecessary applications and delays.
Step 2 — Complete the MOSB-1 Form
If the navigator indicates you need to apply:
- Online upload: Submit your completed MOSB-1 form at mydssupload.mo.gov
- Fax: Contact DSS for the fax number through the mydss.mo.gov/SUNBucks page
- Mail: Mail to the DSS Family Support Division (address available on the MOSB-1 form)
Step 3 — Verification Step
Missouri has a one-time verification step that varies by how you applied:
- If you applied online: Your account is automatically linked to your benefit record; no further action needed
- If you are automatically eligible and did not apply, OR submitted a paper application: You will need to complete a one-time verification when notified by DSS
Step 4 — Receive Notification
Missouri SuN Bucks participants are notified in writing (by mail) at approval or denial of eligibility.
Step 5 — Application Deadline
August 31, 2026 — applications will not be accepted after this date for summer 2026.
Subscribe to email updates at mydss.mo.gov/SUNBucks to stay informed about program status.
Missouri’s “Temporary Assistance” — TANF by Another Name
Missouri calls its TANF/cash assistance program Temporary Assistance (often abbreviated TA) — administered by DSS. Households receiving Temporary Assistance are automatically enrolled in SuN Bucks alongside SNAP households. Unlike states like Kentucky (KTAP), Michigan (FIP), Louisiana (FITAP), or Minnesota (MFIP), Missouri uses the more generic “Temporary Assistance” name.
How Benefits Are Delivered in Missouri
SNAP or Temporary Assistance households: Benefits are added to your existing EBT card — the same card you use for SNAP or TA benefits. No new card is mailed.
Non-SNAP/TA households (newly eligible): A new EBT card is mailed to your address on file with DSS or your child’s school.
When benefits arrive:
- Auto-enrolled children: benefits issued “as soon as possible”
- Application-approved children: benefits issued on a rolling basis after approval
Pre-K Through 12th Grade Eligibility
Missouri explicitly includes Pre-K students enrolled in NSLP or SBP schools — one of the few states in this series that specifically names Pre-K as an eligible grade level for the school meal certification pathway. Most states default to K–12; Missouri’s inclusion of Pre-K expands access for younger children attending public school pre-K programs that participate in NSLP.
Missouri SNAP Restrictions — Candy and Soda Ban
Missouri has received a USDA Food Restriction Waiver banning certain SNAP purchases. Missouri’s ban on candy and soft drinks takes effect in October 2026 — one of the later effective dates among states with restrictions. This ban will apply to Missouri SuN Bucks benefits as well once in effect.
For the full list of restricted items when the ban takes effect, see Missouri SNAP food restrictions.
Where to Use Missouri SuN Bucks
Missouri SuN Bucks work at any authorized SNAP retailer statewide:
- Major grocery chains — Schnucks, Dierbergs, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Aldi, Price Chopper, Save-A-Lot
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
- Online grocery ordering at Walmart and Amazon Fresh where EBT is accepted
Missouri SuN Bucks follow SNAP food rules — eligible for most groceries; not for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. See the SNAP-eligible food guide for what qualifies.
Additional Resources for Missouri Families
Missouri SNAP: Apply through DSS at mydss.mo.gov or contact your local Family Support Division office. Check Missouri SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP benefits in Missouri.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Missouri WIC income eligibility.
SUN Meals / SFSP: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites. Dial 211 or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites.
LIHEAP: Missouri SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements for energy assistance. See Missouri LIHEAP energy assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Missouri SuN Bucks?
Children ages 7–17 in households receiving SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or enrolled in Head Start are automatically eligible. Children in foster care, homeless, or migrant status are also auto-enrolled. Children at NSLP schools approved for free or reduced-price meals are auto-enrolled. Children with Medicaid at or below 185% FPL must apply via the MOSB-1 form. Check the eligibility navigator at mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility first.
What is the MOSB-1 form?
The MOSB-1 is Missouri’s official SuN Bucks application form — the only form accepted by the DSS Family Support Division for non-auto-enrolled applicants. Upload it online at mydssupload.mo.gov or submit by fax or mail.
Does Missouri SuN Bucks go on my existing EBT card?
Yes — if your household receives SNAP or Temporary Assistance, the $120 benefit is added to your existing EBT card. Families without an existing EBT card receive a new card in the mail.
Is Missouri’s program called “SUN Bucks” or “SuN Bucks”?
Missouri officially styles the program as SuN Bucks — with a lowercase “u” and uppercase “N” — in all state materials. The federal program is called “SUN Bucks.” Both names refer to the same program.
When is the Missouri SuN Bucks deadline?
August 31, 2026. Applications received after this date will not be accepted for summer 2026 benefits.
Does Missouri SuN Bucks affect immigration status?
No — receiving Missouri SuN Bucks does not affect you, your child, or your family’s immigration status, and will not make you a public charge. The program does not ask for immigration status.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Missouri SNAP eligibility, use the food benefit eligibility tool.