Montana SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible school-age child for summer grocery purchases. The program is co-administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). Montana was among the first states in the nation to formally commit to the Summer EBT program when it launched in 2024, and has continued participating every year since.
2026 SUN Bucks cards were estimated to be mailed in May 2026. One card is issued per household, with all eligible children’s benefits combined on a single card.
Montana SUN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment) |
| State agencies | Montana DPHHS + Montana OPI (Office of Public Instruction) |
| Official DPHHS page | dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/SUNBucks |
| Apply online | dphhs.mt.gov (link: “Apply for SUN Bucks”) |
| Paper application | Email SUNBucks@mt.gov to request |
| SUN Bucks email | SUNBucks@mt.gov |
| SUN Bucks phone/activation | 1-833-433-8263 (24/7) |
| OPI free/reduced meals application | dca.opi.mt.gov/frapp/index |
| Opt-out | Call (406) 444-0044 or email SUNBucks@mt.gov |
| Card mailing | Estimated May 2026 |
| Card structure | One card per household — all eligible children’s benefits combined |
| Online purchasing | NOT allowed — in-person only |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| Application eligibility | All applications received since July 1, 2025 and later approved are eligible for summer 2026 benefits |
Montana’s Early Leadership in Summer EBT
Montana was among the first states to formally commit to Summer EBT when the program launched. On November 9, 2023 — the first day states could notify USDA — Montana DPHHS submitted its notice of intent to participate. Montana’s direct certification partnership between DPHHS and OPI was cited nationally as an innovative model.
“Montana is leading the nation through our innovative Direct Certification Program, which creates a more efficient process for families,” Montana OPI Superintendent stated at the program’s 2024 launch. That Direct Certification Program allows school meal eligibility data from OPI to automatically populate DPHHS’s Summer EBT enrollment system — streamlining auto-enrollment for families certified through school meal applications.
Who Qualifies for Montana SUN Bucks
Montana’s eligibility framework is centered on the NSLP/SBP school meal certification pathway — with the Direct Certification Program doing much of the identification work automatically.
Automatically Enrolled — No Application Needed
Your child is automatically enrolled if they:
- Received SNAP between July 1, 2025 and the applicable cutoff
- Are directly certified for free or reduced-price school meals through a public assistance program (like SNAP) — OPI handles this automatically through the Direct Certification Program
- Were directly certified by their school for free/reduced-price meals
All applications received since July 1, 2025 and later approved are eligible for summer 2026 SUN Bucks — meaning applications submitted well before summer 2026 are considered if they were approved.
Must Apply — Income-Based Qualification
Children not directly certified through public assistance programs may still qualify if they:
- Attend a Montana school participating in NSLP or SBP
- Meet the income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price school meals (185% FPL)
Apply through the online application at dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/SUNBucks. For a paper application, email SUNBucks@mt.gov to request one.
The OPI free/reduced meals application at dca.opi.mt.gov/frapp/index also doubles as a SUN Bucks application pathway — completing the school meal application simultaneously certifies children for SUN Bucks benefits.
Note: The OPI online application cannot be saved and returned to — complete it in one session. You will receive an application number for reference once submitted.
Montana SUN Bucks Income Limits 2026
For families applying based on household income:
| 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 thresholds at dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/SUNBucks.
One Card Per Household — Montana’s Distinctive Structure
Montana issues one SUN Bucks card per household, combining all eligible children’s benefits on a single card. This differs from states like Minnesota (one card per child) and Massachusetts (one card per household with all children’s benefits).
Example: A Montana household with four eligible children receives one card loaded with $480 ($120 × 4 children).
This card is mailed to the household’s address on file with DPHHS or OPI. If you have moved, update your address with both your child’s school and DPHHS as soon as possible — cards cannot be forwarded.
Activating Your Montana SUN Bucks Card
Montana provides a specific activation number: 1-833-433-8263 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
To activate:
- Call 1-833-433-8263
- Have the SUN Bucks card number on the front of the card ready
- Follow the instructions on the insert included with your card
The same number is used for:
- Activating your card and selecting a PIN
- Checking your balance and transactions
- Reporting a lost, stolen, or damaged card
- Requesting a replacement card
- Changing your PIN
For activation step-by-step guidance, see how to activate your Summer EBT card.
Important: No Online Purchasing in Montana
Montana SUN Bucks cards cannot be used for online purchasing. All purchases must be made in-person at retailers that accept SUN Bucks. This is a Montana-specific restriction confirmed on the official DPHHS SUN Bucks page. If you typically order groceries online with your SNAP EBT card, note that your SUN Bucks card does not have this capability.
Opting Out of Montana SUN Bucks
Montana is one of the few states that provides a clear opt-out mechanism. Families who do not wish to receive SUN Bucks benefits can contact the program directly:
- Phone: (406) 444-0044 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
- Email: SUNBucks@mt.gov
Staff are available Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM Mountain Time. Note: if cards have already been received, families in other states may be directed to destroy unused cards.
Montana’s Geographic Context
Montana is the fourth-largest state by area with a population of about 1.1 million — meaning it has one of the lowest population densities in the country and a very rural landscape. DPHHS estimates approximately 170,000 Montana children are eligible for SUN Bucks based on NSLP participation.
The state has seven federally recognized tribal nations, and Montana’s Food Assistance (SNAP) program has specific tribal agency partnerships. SUN Bucks follows the same tribal outreach structure, with tribal-specific contacts available through DPHHS.
Montana Food Bank Network — montanafoodbanks.org — provides additional food bank resources if SUN Bucks has not arrived or families need supplemental support.
Where to Use Montana SUN Bucks
Montana SUN Bucks work at any authorized SNAP retailer in-person statewide — not online:
- Major grocery chains — Albertsons, WinCo Foods, Walmart, Rosauers Supermarkets, Town & Country Foods (Montana regional chain)
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT in Montana
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
Note: Montana’s SUN Bucks agency is required to maintain a statewide database of NSLP/SBP schools and SUN Bucks-accepting retailers. A list of accepting stores was published on the OPI website at launch. Check dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/SUNBucks for the current authorized retailer list.
Montana SUN Bucks follow SNAP food rules — eligible for most groceries; not for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. See what SNAP covers in your grocery cart for complete eligibility.
Additional Resources for Montana Families
Montana Food Assistance (SNAP): Apply through DPHHS at apply.mt.gov or call 1-888-706-1535. Check Montana SNAP income limits and see applying for Montana Food Assistance benefits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Montana WIC income eligibility.
SUN Meals / SFSP: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites — including “SUN Meals To-Go” options for rural Montana families. Dial 211 or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites.
LIHEAP: Montana SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. Montana winters are severe; heating assistance is one of the most important energy programs in the state. See LIHEAP energy assistance overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Montana SUN Bucks?
Children directly certified for free or reduced-price school meals through public assistance programs (like SNAP) are automatically enrolled. Others may apply through dphhs.mt.gov or the OPI school meal application if they attend an NSLP school and household income is at or below 185% FPL. All applications received since July 1, 2025 are considered for summer 2026 benefits.
How do I activate my Montana SUN Bucks card?
Call 1-833-433-8263, have your card number ready, and follow the instructions on the insert in the card envelope. The line is available 24/7.
Can I use Montana SUN Bucks for online grocery orders?
No — Montana SUN Bucks cards cannot be used for online purchasing. All purchases must be in-person at authorized retailers.
How many cards does a Montana household receive?
One card per household — all eligible children’s benefits are combined on a single card. A household with 4 eligible children receives one card loaded with $480.
When were Montana SUN Bucks cards mailed?
2026 SUN Bucks cards were estimated to be mailed in May 2026. Open all mail carefully in May — the card may look like standard mail.
What if I don’t want SUN Bucks?
Call (406) 444-0044 or email SUNBucks@mt.gov to opt out. Staff are available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM MT.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Montana SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance eligibility estimator.