Ohio’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In response to the ongoing economic crisis, Ohio has requested federal approval for additional SNAP benefits, known as Emergency SNAP (ESNAP). This article will provide an overview of SNAP and ESNAP in Ohio, including eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and application processes.
SNAP is a federally funded program that provides monthly benefits to eligible households to purchase food. ESNAP is a temporary program that provides additional benefits during times of economic hardship. Ohio is currently awaiting federal approval for ESNAP, and the timing of the additional benefits is still uncertain.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Ohio
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Ohio, SNAP benefits are administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).To be eligible for SNAP in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet income and asset limits.
- Be unemployed or underemployed.
- Be a student or a member of a household with a student.
- Be disabled or a member of a household with a disabled person.
- Be over the age of 60 or a member of a household with a person over the age of 60.
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive in Ohio depends on your household size and income. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of one person is $281. For a household of two people, the maximum benefit is $459. For a household of three people, the maximum benefit is $658. For a household of four people, the maximum benefit is $835.To
apply for SNAP in Ohio, you can visit your local Job and Family Services office or apply online at the ODJFS website. You will need to provide proof of your identity, income, and assets.
Emergency SNAP (ESNAP) in Ohio
Emergency SNAP (ESNAP) is a temporary food assistance program that provides additional benefits to low-income individuals and families who have been affected by a natural disaster or other emergency.
To be eligible for ESNAP in Ohio, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Ohio.
- Meet the income and asset limits for SNAP.
- Have been affected by a natural disaster or other emergency, such as a flood, tornado, or fire.
ESNAP benefits are different from regular SNAP benefits in the following ways:
- ESNAP benefits are only available for a limited time, typically 30 days.
- ESNAP benefits are not prorated, meaning that you will receive the full amount of benefits for the month, even if you apply for benefits in the middle of the month.
- ESNAP benefits are not subject to the work requirements that apply to regular SNAP benefits.
To apply for ESNAP in Ohio, you can visit your local county Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) office or apply online at the Ohio Department of Medicaid website.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is the state agency responsible for administering food assistance programs in Ohio. These programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, and the Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (ESNAP).
Contact Information
- Address: 30 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone Number: 1-800-686-1506
- Website: https://jfs.ohio.gov/
Services Offered
The ODJFS provides a range of services related to food assistance, including:
- SNAP applications and eligibility determination
- ESNAP applications and eligibility determination
- SNAP benefit issuance
- SNAP outreach and education
How to Apply for Food Assistance
To apply for food assistance through the ODJFS, you can:
- Apply online: https://benefits.ohio.gov/
- Apply by phone: 1-800-686-1506
- Apply in person: At your local county Job and Family Services office
When you apply for food assistance, you will need to provide information about your household income, expenses, and assets. You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency.
Local Food Banks and Pantries in Ohio
Ohio has a network of local food banks and pantries that provide food assistance to individuals and families in need. These organizations offer a variety of services, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile food pantries.
To access food assistance from a local food bank or pantry, you will need to provide proof of income and residency. You may also be asked to provide information about your household size and income.
List of Local Food Banks and Pantries in Ohio
| Name | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Ohio Foodbank | 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, OH 43123 | (614) 277-3131 |
| Freestore Foodbank | 1141 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (513) 241-1050 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio | 5511 Enterprise Parkway, Toledo, OH 43612 | (419) 242-5000 |
| Capital Area Food Bank | 1960 Hard Road, Columbus, OH 43229 | (614) 221-2770 |
| Dayton Foodbank | 500 Mound Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | (937) 461-0200 |
Ohio Hunger Relief Organizations
Ohio has several hunger relief organizations dedicated to providing food assistance to those in need. These organizations play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and ensuring that Ohio residents have access to nutritious meals.
One of the most prominent hunger relief organizations in Ohio is the Ohio Association of Foodbanks (OAFB). OAFB is a network of 12 foodbanks that serve all 88 counties in Ohio. The organization collects, stores, and distributes food to food pantries, soup kitchens, and other hunger relief agencies throughout the state.
The Freestore Foodbank
The Freestore Foodbank is another major hunger relief organization in Ohio. Headquartered in Cincinnati, the Freestore Foodbank serves 20 counties in southwestern Ohio. The organization provides food assistance to individuals and families through a network of food pantries and meal programs.
In addition to these large organizations, there are numerous smaller hunger relief organizations operating in Ohio. These organizations often focus on serving specific communities or populations, such as low-income families, seniors, or individuals experiencing homelessness.
Hunger relief organizations in Ohio rely on donations from individuals, businesses, and government agencies to fund their operations. Many organizations also welcome volunteers to help with tasks such as food sorting, packing, and distribution.
Last Word
Ohio’s SNAP and ESNAP programs provide essential food assistance to low-income residents. The additional ESNAP benefits will provide much-needed relief during this challenging economic time. Ohio residents who are facing food insecurity are encouraged to apply for SNAP and ESNAP benefits.
For more information and assistance, please contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SNAP benefits in Ohio?
To be eligible for SNAP benefits in Ohio, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. Gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, and net income must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
Assets must also be below certain limits.
How much SNAP benefits will I receive in Ohio?
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive in Ohio depends on your household size and income. The maximum monthly benefit for a household of one person is $281. The maximum monthly benefit for a household of four people is $835.
How do I apply for SNAP benefits in Ohio?
You can apply for SNAP benefits in Ohio online, by mail, or in person at your local county Department of Job and Family Services office. To apply online, visit the Ohio Benefits website. To apply by mail, download the SNAP application form from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website and mail it to your local county office.
To apply in person, visit your local county Department of Job and Family Services office.
What is ESNAP and how is it different from regular SNAP benefits?
ESNAP is a temporary program that provides additional SNAP benefits during times of economic hardship. ESNAP benefits are typically issued in addition to regular SNAP benefits, and they do not affect your regular SNAP eligibility. ESNAP benefits are funded by the federal government, and they are not subject to the same income and asset limits as regular SNAP benefits.
How do I apply for ESNAP benefits in Ohio?
To apply for ESNAP benefits in Ohio, you must first be eligible for regular SNAP benefits. Once you are eligible for SNAP benefits, you can apply for ESNAP benefits by contacting your local county Department of Job and Family Services office.
ESNAP benefits are typically issued automatically to eligible households, but you may need to provide additional documentation to verify your eligibility.
