If you use SNAP in Ohio, the way your EBT card works will change on May 13th, 2026. 

At that time, your Ohio Direction EBT Card will automatically start blocking online and out-of-state purchases. If you want to unlock those kinds of purchases, then you'll need to unlock your card (more information below). Otherwise, your online and out-of-state EBT transactions will be declined.

What you need to know

• Starting May 13, 2026, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is changing the default settings on Ohio Direction EBT Cards.

• By default, online EBT purchases and out-of-state purchases will be blocked. 

• You can unlock your card before checkout when you want to make either type of purchase.

• The same change applies to Summer EBT (Sun Bucks) benefits.

• In-state, in-store purchases will continue to work the way they did before.

How to unlock your card

When you want to make an online or out-of-state purchase, you'll need to temporarily unlock your card first. There are three ways to do it, all available 24/7:

• Visit ConnectEBT.com

• Use the ConnectEBT mobile app (Android, Apple)

• Call Customer Service at 1-866-386-3071

When you unlock, you'll be asked to pick a relock window: 30, 60, or 90 minutes. After that time, your card will automatically return to its default locked state. In other words, online and out-of-state transactions will be locked until you unlock them again.

Bottom line

If you use Ohio SNAP benefits for online or out-of-state EBT purchases, then you’ll need to “unlock” your card before every transaction. Otherwise, your purchases will be declined. These changes go into effect on May 13th, 2026.

For full details, visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website or ConnectEBT.com.