Ohio is participating in a new program this summer called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), also known as SUN Bucks. Even though your child’s school provides no cost meals to all students, each child must be approved for free or reduced-price meals this school year to receive Summer EBT. If your household income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level, school aged children in your household may be eligible.

Participating households will receive a one-time $120 payment for each eligible child on a benefit card you will receive in the mail. You can use the money to buy food during the summer at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers. If you receive more than $120 per eligible child in your household, do not use the benefits. Contact the SEBT Helpline at 1-866-244-0071, option 1 as soon as possible to confirm or correct the error.

If you think your children are eligible, you can apply for Summer EBT using the application at sebt.ohio.gov. Be sure to apply by August 16 to get benefits this summer. If you have questions about the application, contact the Summer EBT Helpline at 1-866-244-0071, option 1.

You will need to provide your child’s name, school, date of birth, along with the names of other people in your household, your household income, and address where you would like the benefit card to be sent. You will not need to provide any documentation to apply but could be asked to verify your information. Receiving Summer EBT will not affect children’s or families’ immigration status.

In addition to Summer EBT, children under 18 years of age in your household can also receive free meals during the summer at a summer meal site. You can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (or text 914-342-7744 with the keyword “summer meals”) to find the location closest to you.

If you have questions, you can contact the Summer EBT Helpline at 1-866-244-0071, option 1.  

Sun Bucks Summer EBT District statement