June 13, 2024 -- Ohio is participating in a new 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?
AND meet at least one of the following:
Household participates in SNAP or OWF
Household is income eligible and receives Medicaid benefits
Household income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level - check the Income Eligibility Criteria to determine eligibility based on household income
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.
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, you can confirm your income eligibility using this Tool, then you must apply to participate in SEBT.
How do I Apply?
Apply for Summer EBT using the application at sebt.ohio.gov. The deadline to apply to get benefits this summer has been extended to August 31, 2024. 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 already receiving benefits from SNAP, OWF, or Medicaid will be distributed by July 31st, on a rolling basis.
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: [email protected]
Website: sebt.ohio.gov
Questions About Summer EBT Card
Phone: 1-866-386-3071
To Check Your Application Status: https://sebt.ohio.gov/status