What is Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
Kentucky Summer EBT, also called SUN Bucks or KY SEBT, gives families $120 per eligible school-age child on an EBT card to buy groceries during summer break when school meals are not available.
Family guide
Summer EBT Kentucky (KY SEBT / SUN Bucks)
Kentucky's Summer EBT program, also called SUN Bucks or KY SEBT, gives eligible school-age children $120 to buy groceries during summer break. Here is who qualifies, when benefits arrive, and how Anderson County families apply.
Who qualifies
Children ages 5–18 who attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and are certified for free or reduced-price meals, or whose household receives SNAP, KTAP, Medicaid at income limits, or FDPIR benefits.
How the benefit is paid
Eligible children receive a one-time $120 benefit per child, loaded on a Kentucky EBT card. Funds can be spent at any SNAP-authorized grocery store or farmers market.
When benefits arrive
Kentucky issues SUN Bucks in the summer months following the school year. Most automatically enrolled families receive benefits between June and August. Applications submitted late are processed on a rolling basis.
You are likely auto-enrolled if…
- Household receives SNAP, KTAP, or FDPIR
- Child is certified for free or reduced-price school meals
- Child is in foster care, homeless, migrant, or a runaway youth
- Household is enrolled in Medicaid at or below the income limit
If any of the above applies, your child should receive a Summer EBT card in the mail without submitting an application.
How to apply for Summer EBT in Kentucky
- 1
Check if your child is auto-enrolled
Most eligible Kentucky children are enrolled automatically. Watch the mail for a Summer EBT card in the child's name and check your kynect account for a notice.
- 2
Apply through kynect if you did not get a card
If your child attends a participating school and qualifies for free or reduced-price meals but no card arrived, submit a Summer EBT application at kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-306-8959.
- 3
Update your address before summer
Summer EBT cards are mailed to the address on file. Update your address with your child's school and in kynect before the school year ends to avoid a lost card.
- 4
Activate the card when it arrives
Follow the instructions on the card mailer to set a PIN. The $120 benefit is loaded per eligible child and expires 122 days after issuance, so use it before it goes away.
- 5
Shop for groceries
Use the card like a SNAP EBT card at any authorized grocer or farmers market. Eligible items include bread, milk, eggs, meat, produce, and other staples. Hot foods and non-food items are not covered.
Need groceries this summer?
Open Hands Community Food Pantry serves Anderson County families all year, including during summer break. Come by during open hours.
- Address
- 1111 Industrial Park Road
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 - Phone
- (502) 839-0094
Pantry hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Thursday12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Friday9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Frequently asked questions
What is Kentucky Summer EBT?
Kentucky Summer EBT (KY SEBT or SUN Bucks) is a federal program that gives eligible school-age children $120 on an EBT card to buy groceries during summer break. Kentucky's Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) issues the benefit.
How much is Summer EBT in Kentucky?
Each eligible child receives a one-time $120 benefit per summer. A family with three eligible children would receive $360 total on the Summer EBT card.
Who is eligible for KY SEBT?
Children ages 5–18 who attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and either receive free or reduced-price meals, or live in a household that gets SNAP, KTAP, Medicaid at income limits, or FDPIR benefits. Foster, homeless, migrant, and runaway youth also qualify.
Do I need to apply for Summer EBT in Kentucky?
Most eligible children are enrolled automatically. If your child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals but does not receive a card by mid-summer, apply through kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-306-8959.
When will Kentucky Summer EBT benefits arrive?
Kentucky begins issuing SUN Bucks in early summer and continues into August. Applications submitted after the school year ends are processed on a rolling basis.
What can I buy with Summer EBT?
Any SNAP-eligible grocery item — bread, milk, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, cereal, and other staples. You cannot use Summer EBT for hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items.
Where can I use my Summer EBT card in Anderson County?
Use the card at any SNAP-authorized grocery store, including Kroger, Walmart, Save A Lot, and many farmers markets in Lawrenceburg and across Kentucky.
What if my Summer EBT card is lost or stolen?
Call Kentucky EBT customer service at 1-888-979-9949 immediately to freeze the card and request a replacement. Do the same through the ebtEDGE app or website.
My child was denied. What do I do?
You can appeal a denial through kynect or your local DCBS office. The Anderson County DCBS office can also help you re-apply if your child's school participation or household eligibility has changed.
Can we still visit Open Hands if we get Summer EBT?
Yes. Summer EBT helps with groceries but does not always cover a full summer of meals. Anderson County families are welcome at Open Hands Community Food Pantry during regular hours.
This guide is provided as a community resource by Open Hands Community Food Pantry. Program details come from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and USDA. Verify current dates and amounts on kynect.ky.gov.