Virginia SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible school-age child for summer grocery purchases, administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Benefits are issued starting in June 2026 on a rolling basis, with automatically enrolled families receiving benefits first. The application deadline is August 31, 2026 — applications submitted after that date are considered for Virginia SUN Bucks 2026.
Virginia has two dedicated portals: dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks (official VDSS page) and virginiasunbucks.com (a streamlined application portal). Virginia also has a dedicated mailing address for paper applications — distinct from local DSS offices, which do NOT process SUN Bucks applications.
Virginia SUN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment) |
| State agency | Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) |
| Official page | dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks |
| Apply online | dss.virginia.gov/benefit/sunbucks/apply or virginiasunbucks.com |
| Mail paper applications to | Virginia SUN Bucks c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 |
| Application deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Late applications | After Aug. 31 → considered for Virginia SUN Bucks 2026 |
| Benefits issued | Starting June 2026, rolling basis |
| SNAP card mailing | July 2026 for school-meal-approved households |
| Non-SNAP card | New Virginia SUN Bucks card mailed within 7–10 days of issue |
| EBT Call Center | 866-281-2448 |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| SSN optional | SSN last 4 and citizenship status are OPTIONAL on the application |
| Applications processed by | VDSS only — NOT schools or local DSS offices |
| Apply each year? | Yes, unless automatically enrolled (circumstances change year to year) |
Virginia’s Critical Rule: VDSS Processes Applications — Not Schools or Local DSS Offices
This is the most important operational note for Virginia families:
Applications are processed by VDSS, not schools or local DSS offices. Do not submit your application to your child’s school or your local Department of Social Services — they cannot process it. All applications go directly to VDSS:
- Online: dss.virginia.gov/benefit/sunbucks/apply or virginiasunbucks.com
- Mail: Virginia SUN Bucks c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060
This is different from most other states in this series, where school-based applications or local office submissions are often accepted. Virginia centralizes all processing at the state level.
Who Qualifies for Virginia SUN Bucks
Automatically Enrolled — No Application Needed
Your child is automatically enrolled if they are school-age and any of the following apply:
- Household receives SNAP — benefits added to existing SNAP EBT card starting June 2026
- Household receives TANF — benefits added to SNAP EBT card or new card issued
- Income-based Medicaid — only qualifying income-based Medical Assistance. Virginia explicitly notes: disability-based Medicaid, Medically Needy/Spend-Down Medicaid, and CHIP/FAMIS may NOT automatically qualify
- Child applied for and was approved for free or reduced-price meals through the NSLP during the 2025–2026 school year
Not Enrolled in NSLP School? Still May Qualify
Virginia specifically addresses children not attending NSLP schools: school-age children who are not attending a National School Lunch Program school may be eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks if they participate in SNAP, TANF or a Medical Assistance program based on family income.
Must Apply — Income-Eligible Families
Families not automatically enrolled can apply if they meet Virginia SUN Bucks income guidelines and submit an application.
Apply each year: Unless your child is automatically enrolled, you must apply each year because household circumstances may change.
Virginia 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 exact thresholds at dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks.
How to Apply for Virginia SUN Bucks
Step 1 — Use Virginia’s Eligibility Journey Tool
Visit dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks and use the interactive “SUN Bucks eligibility journey” — an interactive tool that walks you through questions to determine whether your child is automatically enrolled or needs to apply.
Step 2 — Apply Online or by Mail (If Needed)
Online: Apply at dss.virginia.gov/benefit/sunbucks/apply or virginiasunbucks.com
Paper application: Download, complete, sign, and mail to: Virginia SUN Bucks c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Note: Your paper application must include all household members, the amount, source, and frequency of income for each household member, AND a signature — or it will be rejected.
Online and paper applications are accepted year-round — but for 2026 benefits, submit by August 31. After August 31, applications are processed for 2026.
Step 3 — What You’ll Need
- Child’s name, date of birth, and age
- Mailing address
- School division and school name
- Student ID number (from school records) — Virginia-specific requirement
- Household income, sources, and frequency
- Signature (required)
- SSN last 4 digits and citizenship status — both OPTIONAL in Virginia
Virginia is one of the few states in this series that explicitly states citizenship status and SSN are optional on the application.
Step 4 — Processing and Card Delivery
Applications undergo a review process beginning in spring 2026. VDSS may contact some households to provide verification.
Once benefits are issued:
- SNAP households: Benefits added to existing SNAP EBT card
- Non-SNAP households: New Virginia SUN Bucks card mailed within 7–10 days of the issue date
Non-SNAP households who were approved through school meal applications receive SUN Bucks cards mailed beginning in July 2026.
For card activation or account questions, call the EBT Call Center at 866-281-2448.
Virginia’s Medicaid Eligibility Nuance — Know Your Medicaid Type
Virginia is one of the most specific states in the series about which Medicaid programs qualify:
Qualifies for auto-enrollment:
- Income-based Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Does NOT automatically qualify:
- Disability-based Medicaid
- Medically Needy / Spend-Down Medicaid
- CHIP / FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security)
If you’re unsure which type of Medicaid your child receives, Virginia’s eligibility journey tool has a “Not sure” option that routes you to additional guidance. Call 866-281-2448 to confirm your Medicaid type.
Foster Care, Unhoused Students, and Migrant Students
Virginia has specific guidance for three populations:
Children in foster care, unhoused students and migrant students will receive benefits based on the most recent address on file or through the local DSS office if no address is available.
If you are a local DSS worker or school liaison for these populations, contact VDSS directly for case management guidance.
Where to Use Virginia SUN Bucks
Virginia SUN Bucks work at any authorized SNAP retailer statewide:
- Major grocery chains — Kroger, Food Lion, Giant Food, Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, Publix, Whole Foods
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT across Virginia — Virginia has an active EBT farmers’ market program
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
- Online grocery ordering at Walmart and Amazon Fresh where EBT is accepted
Virginia SUN Bucks follow SNAP food rules — eligible for most groceries; not for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. Virginia also participates in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) for qualifying elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients. See restaurants that take EBT in Virginia for RMP details.
Virginia SUN Bucks follow standard SNAP food rules. See the SNAP-eligible groceries guide for the complete list.
Additional Resources for Virginia Families
Virginia SNAP: Apply through Virginia CommonHelp at commonhelp.virginia.gov or contact VDSS. Check Virginia SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Virginia.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Virginia WIC income eligibility.
SUN Meals / SFSP: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites. Dial 211 (Virginia 211) or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites.
LIHEAP: Virginia SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. See LIHEAP energy assistance in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Virginia SUN Bucks?
School-age children in SNAP, TANF, or income-based Medicaid households are automatically enrolled. Children approved for free or reduced-price school meals through NSLP in 2025–2026 are also auto-enrolled. Others may apply at dss.virginia.gov/benefit/sunbucks/apply by August 31, 2026 if household income meets the 185% FPL guidelines.
Does Virginia SUN Bucks go on my SNAP card?
Yes — if your household receives SNAP, benefits are added to your existing SNAP EBT card. Non-SNAP households receive a new Virginia SUN Bucks card in the mail within 7–10 days of issue.
Can I mail my Virginia SUN Bucks application to my local DSS office?
No — local DSS offices cannot process SUN Bucks applications. Mail paper applications directly to: Virginia SUN Bucks c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Do I need my Social Security number to apply?
No — Virginia’s application explicitly states that providing citizenship status or the last four digits of your SSN is optional. You can apply without these.
Does my child’s CHIP/FAMIS or disability-based Medicaid qualify?
These programs do not automatically qualify for SUN Bucks. Only income-based Medical Assistance (Medicaid) qualifies for automatic enrollment. If your child receives CHIP/FAMIS or disability-based Medicaid, you may still qualify through a SUN Bucks application based on household income.
What is the Virginia SUN Bucks mailing address for paper applications?
Virginia SUN Bucks c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Virginia SNAP eligibility, use the food benefit eligibility estimator.