New Jersey SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible school-age child for summer groceries, with benefits delivered on a separate EBT card for each eligible child. In 2025, New Jersey distributed benefits to more than 693,000 children — totaling over $90 million in federal food security benefits infused into New Jersey’s local economy.
New Jersey’s program has two nationally distinctive features: the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) is the lead agency — unique among all states in this series — and applications go through the child’s school district, not a state benefits portal.
New Jersey SUN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment) |
| Lead agency | New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), Division of Food and Nutrition |
| Partner agencies | NJ Dept. of Human Services (DHS), NJ Dept. of Education (DOE), Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) |
| Official page | nj.gov/summerebt |
| Apply | Through your child’s school district — not a state portal |
| Address updates | Contact your child’s school district |
| EBT card replacement | ConnectEBT app, EBT Connect Client Portal, or call (800) 997-3333 |
| Card type | One physical EBT card per child — separate from your SNAP card |
| NJ Families First Card | New Jersey’s SNAP EBT card (SUN Bucks card is separate) |
| Balance check | NJFamiliesFirst.com or ConnectEBT app |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| NJ SNAP agency | Division of Family Development (DFD) within DHS |
| NJ TANF called | WFNJ (Work First New Jersey) |
Why New Jersey’s Lead Agency Is Unique
Every other state in this series uses a Department of Human Services, Health and Human Services, or Department of Social Services as the lead agency for Summer EBT. New Jersey is the only state where the Department of Agriculture leads the program.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the New Jersey Departments of Education and Human Services, announced that more than 693,000 eligible children across the state will be receiving Summer EBT benefits. The NJDA’s Division of Food and Nutrition administers the program through the school nutrition infrastructure, which is why applications flow through school districts rather than state benefits portals.
The New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) — a standalone state office focused on food security policy — also participates in the program as a partner agency. New Jersey established OFSA specifically to coordinate food security programs across state agencies, making it one of a handful of states with a dedicated food security office.
Who Qualifies for New Jersey SUN Bucks
Automatically Enrolled — No Application Needed
Your child is automatically enrolled if, during the 2025–2026 school year, your household received any of the following:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- TANF / WFNJ (Work First New Jersey — New Jersey’s TANF program)
- Income-eligible Medicaid
- Foster care
These children qualify regardless of what school they attend — including non-NSLP schools and homeschool situations, provided they are between ages 6–16.
Children who were individually certified for free or reduced-price school meals through their NSLP/SBP school are also automatically enrolled — their school sends certification data to NJDA.
If your child does not attend an NSLP/SBP-participating school, or is home-schooled, but your household participates in SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, or Foster Care at any point during the 2025–2026 school year, and your child is between the ages of 6–16 years old, they will automatically qualify for the Summer EBT benefit.
Must Apply — School District Application
CEP school families not in SNAP/TANF/Medicaid/Foster Care: If your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school — where all students receive free meals — and your household does not receive SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or foster care, and you did not return a School Meals and Summer EBT Application, you must apply through your child’s school district.
Income-eligible families at NSLP schools: If your child attends an NSLP school and you haven’t submitted a school meal application, apply through the school district to see if you qualify based on household income.
How to apply: Applications are available online via your child’s school district website, or paper applications may be obtained at your child’s school. Contact your school district directly — there is no statewide online portal for Summer EBT applications in New Jersey.
New Jersey SUN Bucks Income Limits 2026
| 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 nj.gov/summerebt.
New Jersey SNAP note: NJ SNAP — administered by the Division of Family Development (DFD) through 21 County Welfare Agencies (CWAs) — uses 185% FPL BBCE. SNAP enrollment auto-qualifies for SUN Bucks. See New Jersey SNAP income limits for the full SNAP picture.
One Card Per Child — New Jersey’s Card Structure
New Jersey issues a separate physical EBT card for each eligible child — not one card per household. This is the same structure as Minnesota and different from Montana (one card per household) and Massachusetts (one card per household for all children).
The Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development is in the process of issuing eligible families new benefit cards. Each eligible child will be provided with a card. Families will be able to use the $120 per child on each card immediately.
The SUN Bucks EBT card is a physical card separate from your New Jersey Families First Card (New Jersey’s branded SNAP EBT card). Even if you already have a Families First Card for SNAP, you will receive a separate SUN Bucks card for each eligible child.
How to Check Your Balance and Manage Your Card
New Jersey uses the ConnectEBT platform rather than ebtEDGE (which most other states use):
- ConnectEBT app — download on iOS or Android for balance checks and card management
- EBT Connect Client Portal — web portal for balance checks
- NJFamiliesFirst.com — New Jersey’s EBT account management website
- Call (800) 997-3333 — EBT customer service line
To replace a lost card: Use the ConnectEBT app, visit the EBT Connect Client Portal, or call (800) 997-3333.
To update your mailing address: Contact your child’s school district — address changes for Summer EBT go through the school, not NJDA or DHS.
How to Apply for New Jersey SUN Bucks
New Jersey’s application process differs from every other state in this series because it flows through school districts:
Step 1 — Confirm Auto-Enrollment
If your household receives SNAP, WFNJ (TANF), income-eligible Medicaid, or your child is in foster care, your child is automatically enrolled (ages 6–16). No application needed.
If your child was individually approved for free or reduced-price meals at an NSLP school, they’re also auto-enrolled. Check with your child’s school.
Step 2 — Contact Your School District (If Needed)
For CEP school families and other income-eligible families:
- Visit your child’s school district website and look for the School Meals and Summer EBT Application
- Or request a paper application at your child’s school
- Submit the completed application to the school
Students must be individually certified as eligible for the program. The school district submits eligibility data to NJDA, which then issues the EBT cards.
Step 3 — Receive Your Card
Each eligible child receives a separate SUN Bucks EBT card by mail. Cards are mailed as eligibility is confirmed through schools and state program databases.
For the activation steps, see how to activate your Summer EBT card.
New Jersey’s $90 Million Program Scale
New Jersey’s total Summer EBT distribution is expected to amount to over $90 million in federal food security benefits that will be infused into New Jersey’s local economy. The program grew significantly from 2024 (550,000 children, $66 million) to 2025 (693,000 children, $90 million). This growth reflects better outreach and CEP school integration.
Where to Use New Jersey SUN Bucks
New Jersey SUN Bucks work at any authorized SNAP retailer statewide — including New Jersey’s dense network of grocery stores in the metro New York area, South Jersey, and the Shore region:
- Major grocery chains — ShopRite (dominant NJ chain), Stop & Shop, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Aldi, Walmart, King’s Food Markets, Acme Markets, The Fresh Grocer
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT — New Jersey has active EBT-accepting farmers’ markets, particularly in Camden, Newark, and Trenton
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
- Online grocery ordering at Walmart and Amazon Fresh where EBT is accepted
New Jersey SUN Bucks follow SNAP food rules — eligible for most groceries; not for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. See what groceries you can buy with food stamps for the full list.
Additional Resources for New Jersey Families
New Jersey SNAP: Administered by DFD through 21 County Welfare Agencies. Apply at MyNJHelps.gov. Check New Jersey SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP benefits in New Jersey.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check New Jersey WIC income eligibility.
SUN Meals / SFSP: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites. Dial 211 (NJ 211 connects statewide) or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites.
LIHEAP: New Jersey SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. See LIHEAP energy assistance in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for New Jersey SUN Bucks?
Children ages 6–16 in households receiving SNAP, WFNJ/TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, or in foster care are automatically enrolled regardless of school type. Children individually certified for free or reduced-price school meals at NSLP schools are also auto-enrolled. CEP school families and other income-eligible families must apply through their school district.
Does New Jersey SUN Bucks go on my Families First Card?
No — each eligible child receives a separate SUN Bucks EBT card. The SUN Bucks card is distinct from the NJ Families First Card used for SNAP.
How do I apply for New Jersey SUN Bucks?
Contact your child’s school district — either through the district’s website or by requesting a paper application at your child’s school. There is no statewide online portal for SUN Bucks applications in New Jersey.
How do I replace a lost New Jersey SUN Bucks card?
Use the ConnectEBT app, visit the EBT Connect Client Portal, or call (800) 997-3333.
What is WFNJ?
WFNJ (Work First New Jersey) is New Jersey’s TANF/cash assistance program. Households receiving WFNJ are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks for their children ages 6–16.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your New Jersey SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance benefit tool.