The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a vital resource for low-income individuals and families in Ohio. This program provides monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. In recent months, there have been questions about whether Ohio is getting extra food stamp benefits.

In this article, we will explore the eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and recent updates to the Ohio SNAP program.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) administers the SNAP program in the state. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, households must meet certain income and asset limits. The income limits are based on the federal poverty level, and the asset limits vary depending on the household size.

Households can apply for SNAP benefits online, by mail, or in person at their local county Job and Family Services office.

Program Eligibility

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Ohio, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including income and asset limits. The program is designed to assist low-income individuals and families in meeting their basic food needs.

Income Limits

To be eligible for SNAP, your household’s gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. This limit varies depending on household size, with higher limits for larger households.

Asset Limits

In addition to income limits, you must also meet certain asset limits to qualify for SNAP. The asset limit is $2,250 for households with one or two members, and $3,250 for households with three or more members.

How to Apply

To apply for SNAP benefits in Ohio, you can complete an application online at Benefits.Ohio.gov , by phone at 1-800-686-1506, or in person at your local county Job and Family Services office.

Benefit Amounts

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. The benefit amounts for SNAP recipients in Ohio vary depending on household size and income.

The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of one person in Ohio is $281 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of two people is $459 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of three people is $658 per month.

The maximum benefit amount for a household of four people is $835 per month. For each additional person in the household, the maximum benefit amount increases by $178 per month.

SNAP benefit amounts are calculated based on the household’s income and expenses. The household’s income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. The household’s expenses must also be considered when calculating the benefit amount. These expenses can include housing costs, childcare costs, and medical expenses.

There have been no recent changes to SNAP benefit amounts in Ohio.

Food Stamp Distribution

In Ohio, SNAP benefits are distributed on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card works like a debit card and can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. The distribution schedule for SNAP benefits in Ohio is as follows:

• Households with a last name beginning with A-C receive benefits on the 3rd of each month.
• Households with a last name beginning with D-G receive benefits on the 10th of each month.
• Households with a last name beginning with H-K receive benefits on the 17th of each month.
• Households with a last name beginning with L-O receive benefits on the 24th of each month.
• Households with a last name beginning with P-S receive benefits on the 31st of each month.

There are no changes to the SNAP distribution schedule in Ohio at this time.

Emergency SNAP Benefits

In the state of Ohio, emergency SNAP benefits are available to households facing financial hardship and food insecurity. These benefits provide additional support beyond regular SNAP benefits to help families meet their immediate food needs.

To be eligible for emergency SNAP benefits, households must meet the following criteria:

• Have a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
• Have liquid assets of $2,000 or less, or $3,000 or less for households with an elderly or disabled member.
• Have experienced a recent loss of income or an increase in expenses that has resulted in food insecurity.

To apply for emergency SNAP benefits, households can contact their local county Job and Family Services office. The application process typically involves providing proof of income, assets, and expenses, as well as a statement explaining the household’s financial hardship.

Program Updates

The Ohio SNAP program is constantly being updated to better serve the needs of its recipients. These updates may include changes to eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and distribution schedules.

It is important for SNAP recipients to stay up-to-date on the latest program changes to ensure that they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to. The most up-to-date program information can be found on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website.

Eligibility Updates

• In 2023, the income eligibility limits for SNAP were increased. This means that more Ohioans may now be eligible for SNAP benefits.
• The asset limits for SNAP were also increased in 2023. This means that SNAP recipients may now have more assets and still be eligible for benefits.

Benefit Amount Updates

The SNAP benefit amounts were increased in 2023. The average SNAP benefit amount for a family of four is now $835 per month.

Distribution Schedule Updates

The SNAP distribution schedule has changed for 2023. SNAP benefits are now distributed on the first of each month, instead of the 15th.

Last Recap

In addition to the regular SNAP benefits, Ohio also offers emergency SNAP benefits to households that have experienced a sudden loss of income or an increase in expenses. These benefits are available for a limited time and are subject to additional eligibility criteria.

For more information about the Ohio SNAP program, including eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and how to apply, please visit the ODJFS website or contact your local county Job and Family Services office.

FAQ Section

Is Ohio getting extra food stamp benefits?

Yes, Ohio is currently providing additional SNAP benefits to eligible households. These extra benefits are known as emergency allotments and are intended to help households cope with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How much are the extra food stamp benefits?

The amount of extra SNAP benefits that a household receives depends on the household size. For a one-person household, the extra benefit is $95 per month. For a two-person household, the extra benefit is $155 per month. For a three-person household, the extra benefit is $210 per month.

And for a four-person household, the extra benefit is $265 per month.

How long will the extra food stamp benefits last?

The extra SNAP benefits are expected to continue through September 2023. However, this could be extended if the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the economy.