Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer benefits, also known as Sun Bucks, will be distributed to eligible children throughout the summer, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder announced Monday.

“Last year, we provided $124 million in food assistance to over 1 million Ohio children,” Damschroder said. Sun Bucks provides access to nutritious food during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.

“We are now beginning distribution of $120 per eligible child — continuing our commitment to the families in need of healthy food while school is out for summer.”

The Summer EBT Program for Children is a federal program that provides assistance to eligible families with school-aged children while those schools are closed for the summer. Eligible families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child. Most benefits will be distributed in batches over the next month.

If a recipient received this benefit on a Summer EBT/Sun Bucks card and they can’t find their card, they should call 1-866-385-3071 to request a replacement card.

“Student success depends on more than what happens in the classroom,” said Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin, which administers the program in conjunction with ODJFS. “By helping ensure access to nutritious meals during the summer months, Sun Bucks prepares students to return to school healthy, supported and ready to learn.”

Families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, cash assistance (Ohio Works First), and Medicaid who meet income eligibility requirements will automatically receive Summer EBT/Sun Bucks benefits.

For families currently receiving SNAP, benefits will be loaded onto their Ohio Direction Card on their regularly scheduled monthly SNAP distribution date. For families receiving cash assistance or Medicaid benefits, benefits will be loaded onto a Sun Bucks card. Families who received 2025 Summer EBT/Sun Bucks benefits will have 2026 benefits loaded onto their existing card. If your child has never received Summer EBT/Sun Bucks benefits, a new card will be mailed to the address on file.

Like SNAP, Sun Bucks benefits can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, farmers markets and other authorized retailers.

Families not automatically eligible can learn more about the application process at https://sebt.ohio.gov/