Information from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services:

Summer EBT/SUN Bucks
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT or SUN Bucks) is new for summer 2024. Summer EBT/SUN Bucks provides grocery benefits to low-income families with school-aged children when school is closed for the summer. Summer EBT benefits will be loaded to a household’s Ohio Direction Card, or a benefit card will be sent in the mail to each eligible child.

Families can use the money to buy food during the summer at grocery stores, farmers markets and other authorized retailers. Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child and participation will not affect children or families’ immigration status.

Follow this link to the Ohio Sun Bucks website for more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions. 

How do I Know If My Child is Eligible to Receive Summer Ebt/Sun Bucks and How do I Apply?

1. For ALL LCSD Schools - 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.
2. If you completed a meal eligibility application for 2023-24 school year and were approved for free/reduced meal benefits, your child will be automatically enrolled to receive the summer benefit with no further action. If you did not complete a meal eligibility application, but you believe that your child might be eligible, you can Apply by calling Job and Family services for application.
3. If your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision School (a school receiving universal free meals without the collection of meal eligibility applications) and your household does NOT participate in SNAP, OWF or is income eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits, but you believe that your child might be eligible, you can apply for Summer EBT.
4. When applying, you will be asked to provide your child’s name, school, date of birth, address and some additional details. You will also be asked to report your household’s income. You will not need to provide any other documents or information including social security number, proof of citizenship, or pay stubs to apply.

Which Students are Included in Summer EBT?

1. Graduating seniors of any age will be included if they are approved for free or reduced-price meals.
2. Preschool and Kindergarten students under the age of 6 will be included if they are approved for free or reduced-price meals.
3. Students will automatically receive Summer EBT if the student is on SNAP, OWF or Medicaid (and the household is within the income eligibility of the free or reduced price meal program).

Questions?

General Summer EBT Support Questions
Phone: 866-244-0071 Option 1
Email: support@ohio-k12.help

Questions About Summer EBT Card
Phone: 1-866-386-3071