What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks provides a $120 EBT benefit for each child who qualifies to help pay for groceries over the summer while school is out.
Do I need to apply for SUN Bucks?
Most children will be automatically enrolled for SUN Bucks and do not need to apply if:
- They were individually certified for school meal benefit or
- Age 6-16 and part of a household that already participates in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, MaineCare at 185% FPL or are identified as foster, homeless, or migrant by the Office for Family Independence (OFI) or Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS).
Automatically enrolled households will receive a letter in the mail by June and benefits starting in early June.
Families who haven’t received a letter in the mail by June notifying them of automatic enrollment should consider applying manually for SUN Bucks if—
- Their child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and
- The household meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meal benefit.
How will I receive SUN Bucks?
If your family participates in SNAP or participated in P-EBT or SUN Bucks last year, your child’s benefit will be loaded onto that card. If you lost a card and need a replacement, you can request one using the Maine EBT Online Portal or by calling (800) 477-7428. If you do not already have a Pine Tree EBT card, you will receive a new card in the mail. Please be aware that new cards were issued without a benefit attached in late May.
SUN Bucks benefits will be available starting on June 6.
How do I spend my SUN Bucks?
You can spend your SUN Bucks on groceries including fresh produce, meat, dairy, grains and other items at any participating retailer. You can also buy seeds and seedlings which produce food.
Through the Maine Harvest Bucks program and Farm Fresh Rewards, you can double your benefit by shopping at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and co-ops. Click on each program for a list of participating locations.
SUN Bucks expire after 122 days – don’t wait to use your benefit!
For more information on SUN Bucks, visit Maine's SUN Bucks page or call OFI at
(855) 797-4357 and select option 5.