Summer EBT Information, Application

Ohio is participating in a program this summer called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), also known as SUN Bucks. Please review the information below to check your eligibility and if you need to apply.

What is SEBT?
Eligible and participating low-income households will receive a one-time $120 payment for each eligible child. You can use the money to buy food during the summer at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other authorized retailers.

Is my student eligible?    

• Eligible students were enrolled in a CH-UH City School District school during the 2025-2026 school year in grades PreK-12 AND meet at least one of the following:

  • Household participates in SNAP or OWF
  • Household income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level - check the Income Eligibility Criteria to determine eligibility based on household income
  • Household is income eligible and receives Medicaid benefits (not all families that receive Medicaid are eligible unless they also meet the income qualifications)

When will I receive my SEBT funds?

• Payments for those already receiving benefits from SNAP, OWF, or Medicaid will be distributed by July 31, on a rolling basis (alphabetically).
• To check if the funds have been distributed yet, the SEBT website has a link where you can check the availability. Check this link: https://sebt.ohio.gov/funds/ at the end of June to see if funds have been distributed yet.

Do I need to apply?

• If your household already participates in SNAP, OWF or if income eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits, your child will automatically be enrolled to receive summer benefits with no further action needed. The district has already submitted these students to receive SunBucks.
• If you do not already receive benefits from SNAP, OWF, or Medicaid and your income level is less than 185% of the federal poverty level (confirm your income eligibility using this link: https://sebt.ohio.gov/income-eligibility/), then you must apply to participate in SEBT.

How do I apply?

• Apply for Summer EBT using the application at https://sebt.ohio.gov/application/. The deadline to apply to receive benefits this summer is August 14, 2026. 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.

How will I receive SEBT funds?

• Summer EBT benefits will either be loaded to a household’s existing Ohio Direction Card, or a benefit card will be sent in the mail in a plain white envelope addressed to each eligible child. 
• Payments for those who apply through the SEBT website will be issued within two months of the application date.

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. See link here to find the location closest to you.

Additional Support:

General Summer EBT Support Questions

Phone: 866-244-0071 Option 1
Email: support@ohio-k12.help
Website: sebt.ohio.gov

Questions About Summer EBT Card

Phone: 1-866-386-3071

To Check Your Application Status: https://sebt.ohio.gov/status