Ohio SNAP recipients to receive extra benefits during summer

OHIO — Ohio families with school-aged children can now benefit from the 2025 Summer EBT/SUN Bucks program, which provides extra help to buy food during the summer months when school is out.

Children up to age 19 may be eligible, and many will be automatically enrolled depending on the type of assistance they already receive.

Automatic Enrollment for SNAP and OWF Participants

If your child receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, they will automatically be enrolled, and the funds will be loaded onto your existing Ohio Direction Card—no application needed.

Children who receive Ohio Works First (OWF) but not SNAP will also be automatically enrolled. These families will receive a separate benefits card in the mail.

Medicaid Recipients May Qualify

Children enrolled in Medicaid may also be eligible. If your household income was at or below 185% of the federal poverty level when you applied for Medicaid, your child will be automatically enrolled and a new card will be mailed.

If your income has changed since then, you may need to apply.

Other Ways to Qualify

Children who were directly approved for free school meals based on family income will be automatically enrolled and will receive a card in the mail.

If your child attends a school that offers free meals to all students, but you did not fill out an application for free school meals, you may still qualify based on income—and you’ll need to apply.

For more information or to apply, click here.