Michigan SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible school-age child for summer groceries. The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Families with active Bridge Card (SNAP or TANF) cases have the $120 added directly to their existing Michigan Bridge Card. Families without a Bridge Card receive a pre-loaded Summer EBT card in the mail. Benefits are issued beginning in June 2026.
Michigan is also home to Double Up Food Bucks — the nationally replicated program that matches SNAP and SUN Bucks spending on Michigan-grown produce at participating markets and stores — making Michigan one of the strongest states for stretching summer grocery benefits.
Michigan SUN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment) |
| State agency | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) |
| Official page | michigan.gov/mdhhs (search Summer EBT) |
| Apply online | newmibridges.michigan.gov (MI Bridges portal) |
| MDHHS phone | 1-855-275-6424 |
| EBT card name | Michigan Bridge Card (SNAP/TANF households); Summer EBT card (others) |
| Lost Summer EBT card | 1-855-275-6424 |
| Benefits issued | Beginning June 2026 |
| Bridge Card households | $120 added to existing Bridge Card |
| Non-Bridge Card families | Pre-loaded Summer EBT card mailed in head of household’s name |
| Returning non-Bridge Card recipients | Same card as [current_year-1] |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| Mail forwarding | Does NOT work for Summer EBT cards — update address directly |
| Michigan SNAP called | Food Assistance Program; Bridge Card |
| Michigan TANF called | FIP (Family Independence Program) |
Who Qualifies for Michigan SUN Bucks
Michigan’s age range for automatic enrollment is ages 6 to 18 — one of the widest in the series, covering more children than most states.
Automatically Enrolled — No Application Needed
Your child is automatically enrolled in Michigan SUN Bucks if they meet any of the following between July 1, 2025 and the applicable cutoff date:
Ages 6–18 and household receives:
- SNAP (Michigan Food Assistance Program / Bridge Card)
- TANF (Michigan’s FIP — Family Independence Program)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
- Income-eligible Medicaid — Medicaid with household income at or below 185% FPL
Any age — school meal certification: Students of any age who are certified as eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) are automatically enrolled.
May Need to Apply
Homeschooled children: Homeschooled children can qualify for Michigan SUN Bucks only if they receive SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or income-eligible Medicaid. Homeschooled children cannot qualify through a school meal application. This mirrors Kentucky and Hawaii’s approach.
Schools that do not collect meal applications: If your child attends a school that does not administer the school meal application process, you may need to apply through MI Bridges.
Apply at newmibridges.michigan.gov or call 1-855-275-6424.
Michigan SUN Bucks Income Limits 2026
For families applying based on household income (Medicaid eligibility or school meal eligibility):
| 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 MDHHS at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Michigan SNAP context: Michigan uses 200% FPL for SNAP eligibility through BBCE — more generous than the SUN Bucks 185% threshold. SNAP enrollment, however, auto-qualifies for SUN Bucks regardless. See Michigan SNAP income limits for the full SNAP picture.
How Michigan Delivers SUN Bucks
Michigan uses two delivery pathways based on your Bridge Card status:
If your child is on an active SNAP (Food Assistance) or TANF (FIP) case: The $120 SUN Bucks benefit is added directly to your existing Michigan Bridge Card. No new card is mailed; watch for the added balance in June.
If your child received a Summer EBT card in [current_year-1]: Benefits are loaded onto that same card — keep your [current_year-1] Summer EBT card.
If your child is newly eligible and not a Bridge Card household: A Summer EBT card in the head of household’s name is mailed to your address on file with MDHHS or your child’s school.
Critical warning: Mail forwarding does NOT work for Summer EBT cards. Unlike regular mail, USPS will not forward Summer EBT cards to a new address. If you have moved, update your address immediately with both your child’s school and MDHHS before cards are mailed.
To update your address: contact MDHHS at 1-855-275-6424 or update through MI Bridges at newmibridges.michigan.gov if you have an active case.
How to Apply for Michigan SUN Bucks
Step 1 — Confirm Auto-Enrollment
If your household has an active Bridge Card (SNAP or FIP), or your child was certified for free or reduced-price school meals, you are very likely auto-enrolled. Watch for your $120 balance to appear on your Bridge Card or look for a Summer EBT card in the mail beginning in June.
Step 2 — Apply at MI Bridges (If Needed)
If you don’t receive an auto-enrollment and believe your child qualifies:
- Go to newmibridges.michigan.gov — Michigan’s integrated benefits portal for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and Summer EBT
- Log in or create an account
- Select the Summer EBT / SUN Bucks application
- Complete and submit
Call 1-855-275-6424 for assistance.
Step 3 — What You’ll Need
- Child’s name, date of birth, and Michigan school
- School year 2025–2026 enrollment and meal program status
- Household size and monthly gross income
- SNAP, FIP, or Medicaid case number (if applicable)
- Mailing address — update immediately if you’ve moved
Michigan’s FIP — The State’s TANF Program
Michigan calls its TANF/cash assistance program FIP (Family Independence Program), administered by MDHHS. FIP recipients are automatically enrolled in Michigan SUN Bucks alongside SNAP households. If you receive FIP, your eligible children (ages 6–18) should be auto-enrolled.
FIP recipients also have Bridge Cards — Michigan’s unified EBT card carries both food assistance and FIP cash benefits.
Double Up Food Bucks — Michigan’s Produce Matching Program
Michigan invented Double Up Food Bucks in 2009 and it has since become the national model replicated in 20+ states. In Michigan:
- Double Up matches your Bridge Card spending dollar-for-dollar on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables at over 240 participating grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and farm stands statewide
- Participating retailers include Meijer (all locations), Busch’s Fresh Food Market, and many independent stores and farmers’ markets
- No cap on matching — earn unlimited Double Up on qualifying produce
- Find locations at doubleupfoodbucks.org or call 1-866-586-2796
While Double Up Food Bucks is a SNAP Bridge Card benefit (not specifically SUN Bucks), families using SUN Bucks at participating retailers may also activate Double Up matching depending on the retailer’s implementation. Check with your specific store.
Where to Use Michigan SUN Bucks
Michigan SUN Bucks work at any authorized SNAP retailer statewide:
- Meijer — Michigan’s dominant grocery chain, founded in Greenville, MI; full EBT acceptance at all locations; Double Up Food Bucks partner
- Kroger, Walmart, Aldi, Gordon Food Service (GFS) stores
- Save-A-Lot, Spartan stores, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT — Michigan has one of the most active farmers’ market EBT networks in the country
- Online grocery ordering at Walmart and Amazon Fresh where EBT is accepted
Michigan SUN Bucks follow SNAP food rules — eligible for most groceries; not for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. See the SNAP-approved grocery guide for complete eligibility.
Additional Resources for Michigan Families
Michigan SNAP (Food Assistance): Apply through MI Bridges at newmibridges.michigan.gov or call 1-855-275-6424. Check Michigan SNAP income limits and see applying for Michigan Bridge Card benefits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Michigan WIC eligibility.
SUN Meals / SFSP: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites. Dial 211 (Michigan 211) or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites.
LIHEAP: Michigan SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. Michigan winters are severe; heating assistance is one of the most impactful programs available. See Michigan LIHEAP energy assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Michigan SUN Bucks?
Children ages 6–18 whose household receives SNAP (Food Assistance), FIP (TANF), FDPIR, or income-eligible Medicaid (at or below 185% FPL) are automatically enrolled. Students of any age certified for free or reduced-price school meals through NSLP/SBP are also auto-enrolled. Others may apply at newmibridges.michigan.gov.
Does Michigan SUN Bucks go on my Bridge Card?
Yes — if your child is on an active SNAP or FIP case, the $120 is added directly to your existing Michigan Bridge Card. No new card is mailed. Non-Bridge Card families receive a pre-loaded Summer EBT card in the head of household’s name.
Can Summer EBT cards be mail-forwarded?
No — Summer EBT cards will NOT be forwarded by USPS if you move. Update your mailing address with MDHHS and your child’s school immediately. Call 1-855-275-6424 or update through newmibridges.michigan.gov.
What is Michigan’s FIP program?
FIP (Family Independence Program) is Michigan’s TANF/cash assistance program administered by MDHHS. FIP recipients are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks and have Bridge Cards just like SNAP households.
What is Double Up Food Bucks?
Double Up Food Bucks is Michigan’s produce matching program — it matches your SNAP Bridge Card spending dollar-for-dollar on Michigan-grown fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables at 240+ participating retailers statewide. Michigan invented this program in 2009; it is now replicated in 20+ states. Find locations at doubleupfoodbucks.org.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Michigan SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance benefit estimator.