Alabama SUN Bucks gives eligible families $120 per school-age child to buy groceries during the summer. The program is administered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Most families who receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid are automatically enrolled — no application needed. Families who don’t receive those benefits may still qualify and must apply by August 15, 2026.
This guide covers everything Alabama families need to know: who qualifies, income limits, how to apply, when benefits arrive, and where to use your card.
Alabama SUN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment) |
| Who administers it | Alabama DHR + Alabama State Department of Education |
| Application deadline | August 15, 2026 |
| Apply at | alabama-sunbucks.com |
| Customer service | 1-800-443-3536 or support@alabama-sunbucks.com |
| Customer service hours | 7 AM – available daily |
| Delivery method | New Alabama SUN Bucks card mailed to your address |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
Who Qualifies for Alabama SUN Bucks
Automatically Eligible — No Application Needed
Your child is automatically enrolled and will receive a SUN Bucks card without you needing to apply if:
- Your household receives SNAP (food stamps) and your child attended a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) during school year 2025–2026
- Your household receives TANF or FDPIR and your child attended an NSLP/SBP school
- Your child is directly certified through the Alabama State Department of Education for free or reduced-price meals through SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid
If you receive SNAP and your child is enrolled in an NSLP school, expect a SUN Bucks card in the mail — you don’t need to do anything. Check your mail beginning in June. See how to check your Alabama SNAP balance to confirm your SNAP enrollment is current.
Must Apply — Income-Based Eligibility
If your household does not receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, your child may still qualify based on household income. You must apply at alabama-sunbucks.com by August 15, 2026.
Your child is eligible if they attend an NSLP or SBP school and your household income meets the free or reduced-price school meal income guidelines — set at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Important: Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Schools
Students at CEP schools — schools where all students receive free meals automatically regardless of family income — do not automatically qualify for SUN Bucks based on CEP status alone. However, they may still be eligible based on household income. CEP school families should check eligibility at alabama-sunbucks.com and apply if they don’t receive SNAP or Medicaid.
Alabama SUN Bucks Income Limits 2026
To qualify for Alabama SUN Bucks through an application (if your household doesn’t receive SNAP/TANF/Medicaid), your household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level:
| 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 |
Limits based on 185% FPL guidelines. Alabama SUN Bucks program sets income thresholds at the free and reduced-price school meal level.
If your income is at or below these limits and your child attends an NSLP/SBP school, apply at alabama-sunbucks.com before August 15, 2026.
How to Apply for Alabama SUN Bucks
Step 1 — Check If Your Child Is Already Enrolled
Before applying, confirm whether your child will be automatically enrolled:
- Does your household receive SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or qualifying Medicaid? → Auto-enrolled, no application needed
- Does your child’s school participate in NSLP or SBP? → Required for all eligibility paths (check with your child’s school if unsure)
If both answers are yes, a SUN Bucks card will be mailed to you. No action required.
If you don’t receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, proceed to apply.
Step 2 — Go to alabama-sunbucks.com
Visit alabama-sunbucks.com and click “Check your Eligibility.” The portal will ask a few questions to determine whether you need to apply or whether your child is already auto-enrolled.
Step 3 — Complete the Application
If you need to apply, you will be asked to provide:
- Child’s name and date of birth
- Child’s school name and school year
- Home address — this is where your SUN Bucks card will be mailed; confirm it is current
- Household size — number of people in your household
- Household income — monthly gross income for all household members
- Social Security numbers are typically required for the applicant and may be requested for household members
You can apply online through the portal or contact the SUN Bucks customer service team at 1-800-443-3536 for assistance.
Step 4 — Receive Your Eligibility Determination
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Alabama will send a letter about your child’s eligibility. Allow several weeks for processing, especially for applications submitted later in the summer.
Application deadline: August 15, 2026. Applications received after August 15 will not be considered for 2026 benefits.
Step 5 — Watch for Your Card in the Mail
Alabama issues SUN Bucks on a new Alabama SUN Bucks card mailed to your address — it does not load onto your existing SNAP EBT card. Watch for a plain envelope in the mail. Do not throw it away.
Once the card arrives:
- Call the number on the back of the card
- Enter your card number and verify your identity
- Set a 4-digit PIN
- Your $120 per child is available immediately after activation
For detailed activation instructions, see how to activate your SUN Bucks card.
When Do Alabama SUN Bucks Benefits Arrive?
Alabama distributes SUN Bucks beginning in June 2026. Auto-enrolled children (SNAP/TANF households) receive benefits first. Children approved through applications receive benefits on a rolling basis through summer.
Benefits for Summer 2026 are distributed beginning in June through the end of the summer. If you applied close to the August 15 deadline, your card may arrive in August or September.
Where Can You Use Alabama SUN Bucks?
Alabama SUN Bucks are accepted at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and online retailers that accept SNAP EBT. This includes:
- Walmart, Kroger, Publix, ALDI, Food Lion, and most major grocery chains
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
- Online grocery ordering through Walmart and Amazon Fresh (where SNAP EBT is accepted)
Alabama SUN Bucks can buy most SNAP-eligible foods, except hot and prepared foods. The same SNAP food rules apply — no alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or hot deli items.
For a list of what SNAP covers, see the SNAP-eligible food items guide.
Does Alabama SUN Bucks Affect Your SNAP Benefits?
No — Alabama SUN Bucks does not reduce your regular SNAP benefits. The $120 per child is an additional, separate benefit. Receiving SUN Bucks will not affect your SNAP allotment, immigration status, or any other benefits you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Alabama SUN Bucks?
Children who attend an NSLP or SBP school in Alabama and whose household receives SNAP, TANF, or qualifying Medicaid are automatically eligible. Children whose households don’t receive those benefits may qualify if household income is at or below 185% FPL — these families must apply by August 15, 2026.
Do I need to apply for Alabama SUN Bucks?
If your household receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or qualifying Medicaid and your child attends an NSLP school, you do not need to apply. A card will be mailed automatically. If you don’t receive those benefits, apply at alabama-sunbucks.com by August 15, 2026.
How much is Alabama SUN Bucks?
$120 per eligible school-age child, as a one-time payment. Benefits expire 122 days from the date they are issued.
Where do I apply for Alabama SUN Bucks?
Apply at alabama-sunbucks.com or call 1-800-443-3536 for assistance. You can also email support@alabama-sunbucks.com.
What is the income limit for Alabama SUN Bucks?
Household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level — $4,628/month for a family of four. Households that receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid are automatically eligible regardless of income verification.
What if my child’s school doesn’t participate in the National School Lunch Program?
If your child’s school doesn’t participate in NSLP or SBP — such as some private schools or homeschool situations — your child is not eligible for Alabama SUN Bucks based on school enrollment. However, if your household receives SNAP, TANF, or qualifying Medicaid, there may be an alternative eligibility path. Contact the Alabama SUN Bucks customer service line at 1-800-443-3536 to confirm.
What if I’m already on SNAP — do I get SUN Bucks automatically?
Yes — if your household receives SNAP and your child attended an NSLP or SBP school during school year 2025–2026, your child is automatically enrolled. Check your Alabama SNAP EBT balance to confirm your SNAP status is current and watch for a SUN Bucks card in the mail beginning in June.
For the full Summer EBT program overview including all participating states, see Summer EBT eligibility and benefits. To check your overall SNAP eligibility in Alabama, use the food stamp eligibility tool. For your Alabama SNAP income limits, see SNAP income limits for Alabama.