Have kids in school? Apply for $120 in summer grocery money

Parents and caregivers can apply for summer food benefits of $120 for each child aged 6 to 18 in their home. 

The program, known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks, started last year and provides eligible families with extra money to buy groceries when schools are closed in the summer. Benefits can also be used at some summer farmers markets. 

Applications have to be completed by Aug. 15. You can apply on this website: https://sebt.ohio.gov/apply/

If you need additional help, call 866-244-0071 or email [email protected]

Will my child get this money automatically?

In some cases children will be eligible for benefits without filling out an application. If your child already receives one or more of these benefits, you don’t have to apply:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits
• Cash assistance from the Ohio Works First program
• Medicaid benefits 
• Free or reduced lunch through their school

If you already have an Ohio Direction Card, the benefits will be automatically loaded on. If you do not have a card, a card will be mailed to your household. Make sure your current address is on file with the county where you signed up in order to make sure the benefits are sent to the right address. 

How do I know if I will qualify?

Eligibility is based on how much money you make and how many people live in your household. For instance, if four people live in your household and you make $57,720 per year, or $1,110 per week or less, you would be eligible. To see if you qualify based on your income and household size, use this calculator: https://sebt.ohio.gov/income-eligibility/ 

What else do I need to know?

• Once you receive the benefits, you’ll have about four months to use them. 
• Graduating seniors are eligible for summer food benefits 
• Preschool and kindergarten students under the age of 6 are included if they already are approved for free or reduced price school meals or attend a school that is part of that national school breakfast or lunch program.

Find the answers to additional questions here: https://sebt.ohio.gov/faqs/t.ohio.gov/faqs/