One Application, Two SUN Bucks Summers!
How Prince George’s County Families Can Double Their Peace of Mind This Summer
Summertime in Prince George’s County is all about pool days, library reading challenges, and enjoying fun in the sun. But for many parents, when school doors close, grocery budgets get tight.
To directly address this challenge, the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services administers Maryland SUN Bucks to eligible families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Maryland SUN Bucks delivers $120, at a rate of $40 a month, per eligible school-aged child to help put healthy, fresh food on the table during June, July, and August.
Our parent agency, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), automatically enrolls the majority of qualifying families in the county. Families who may need to manually apply can take a few minutes to complete just one application during July or August and if qualified, secure grocery funds for this summer as well as summer 2027. Ultimately, locking in your eligibility for two summers of food security with just one quick application.
Check your eligibility today before the August 31, 2026, deadline at: dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks.
Why This Works
When you submit an application and are approved for Maryland SUN Bucks in July or August 2026, your financial eligibility is automatically locked in for twelve full months. This means your child will receive critical nutrition assistance for both Summer 2026 and Summer 2027 without you having to fill out additional paperwork next year.
Who May Qualify?
If your family already receives SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), or Medicaid, or if you filled out a FARMS (Free and Reduced-Price School Meals) form during the 2025–2026 school year, your family is already automatically enrolled. Throughout the summer, your benefits are automatically applied to your SUN Bucks card, and no action is required.
However, you must apply manually if your child:
- Attends a PGCPS Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school (where all students eat free lunch regardless of family income) AND your household does not currently receive SNAP, TCA, or Medicaid.
- Is eligible based on your income, but you missed the school-year FARMS application window.
Safe, Confidential, and Local
The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services is sensitive to the fact that many families in our diverse county communities are hesitant to apply for state programs due to concerns around immigration action.
Please know that applying for SUN Bucks or SNAP through the Maryland Department of Human Services is 100% confidential and safe. All children who meet income eligibility requirements are eligible for Maryland SUN Bucks regardless of their immigration status. Children’s participation in the Maryland SUN Bucks program will not impact their household’s immigration status. Our goal at PGCDSS is simple: ensuring every single child in our county has the fuel they need to grow, play, and learn.
Fast Facts for Using Your 2026 Benefits
- The Amount: $40 per month per child ($120 total for the summer).
- The 122-Day Rule: Your SUN Bucks expire exactly 122 days after they are issued. Unused funds return to the state, so be sure to use them on your regular grocery trips.
- New 2026 Chip Cards: Maryland transitioned to more secure "chip-and-tap" EBT cards this summer. If you are a returning family, your benefits will load onto your existing card. If you are new, look for a white card labeled “Maryland SUN Bucks” in the mail.
- Where to Shop: Use your card just like a debit card for fresh produce, meats, grains, and dairy at most major grocery stores, online retailers (like Amazon and Walmart), and participating local farmers' markets.
Check your eligibility for SUN Bucks today at: dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks. ✅
