Ohio Distributed $124 Million to 1 Million
Children Through Summer EBT
Families encouraged to use benefits before they expire
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder announced that the department distributed nearly $124 million in Summer EBT benefits, also known as SUN Bucks. The program served more than 1 million Ohio children.
“More than 1 million Ohio children benefitted from $124 million in food assistance through the SUN Bucks program this summer,” said Damschroder. “I encourage parents of eligible children to check their account balances and use their benefits before they expire—generally four months after they are made available.”
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children, also known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks, is a federal program that provides assistance to eligible families with school-aged children while those schools are closed for the summer. Eligible families received a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child.
Most of the benefits were automatically distributed to families in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance (Ohio Works First) program, and those who were income-eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits. For those on SNAP, benefits were loaded onto the family’s Ohio Direction Card. Those who received 2024 summer benefits had 2025 benefits loaded onto their existing card. New recipients received a benefit card by mail. Like SNAP, the money can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other authorized retailers.
As of early September, more than 170,000 SUN Bucks and SNAP accounts had outstanding balances totaling $29 million. That includes 93,400 accounts with the full $120 benefit unspent. ODJFS has reached out to county departments of Job and Family Services to help encourage families to check and utilize their benefits before they expire. Benefits through the program, which ran from June 11 through August 15, 2025, expire 122 days after they are made available. With most benefits issued by the end of June, benefits for many will begin expiring in October.
Current SNAP recipients can use the Connect EBT app or access their online account for more information.
Information on how to apply can be found at https://sebt.ohio.gov/.
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