Low-income families who are fighting food insecurity in Summit County can receive extra EBT benefits for their children while they are on summer break, thanks to the Summer EBT program.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children — otherwise known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks — has returned. This program, established in 2024, provides grocery benefits to families whose school-aged children are home for the summer, according to the Summer EBT website.
Here is what we know about the SUN Bucks program, including how to apply:
How does the SUN Bucks program work?
Families receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child, and these funds can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets and other authorized retailers, according to officials.
These benefits are loaded to a household’s Ohio Direction Card, or a benefit card that is sent in the mail to each eligible child.
How do I know if my child is eligible for SUN Bucks?
If your household already participates in SNAP, OWF, or if income eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits, your child will be automatically enrolled in the summer benefits program. You will not need to fill out an application.
Households who have been approved for free/reduced meal benefits at school will also be automatically enrolled in the program.
How can I apply for the SUN Bucks benefits program?
Households that are within 185% of the federal poverty level but do not participate in one of the above programs can submit a Summer EBT application via the Summer EBT web page at sebt.ohio.gov.
Students must have attended a school participating in the National School Lunch Program in school year 2024-2025 in order to apply, the website stated.
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.
When is the deadline to apply for SUN Bucks?
Applications for summer 2025 SUN Bucks must be completed by Aug. 15.
To learn more, please visit https://sebt.ohio.gov/faqs/.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio families to receive summer EBT benefits to help feed their kids with schools closed
Reporting by Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
