Households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, in Ohio may have experienced changes to their benefits this month. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state implemented temporary emergency allotments, providing additional food assistance to those in need. However, as these emergency measures come to an end, it’s important for recipients to be aware of potential adjustments to their benefits. While the amounts may have varied, some households may have received a reduction in their SNAP benefits. It’s crucial for recipients to carefully review their notices from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to understand any changes and plan accordingly.
Extended Pandemic Emergency Assistance (PEA) Program
Starting in October 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began providing additional food stamp benefits, known as the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Program (PEA), to recipients in Ohio and other states. The PEA was a temporary program implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to help individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. In March 2023, the U.S. Congress allowed the PEA to end and the regular food stamps issuance amounts resumed.
Current Food Stamps Program
- Ohio residents can apply for the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, through their local Job and Family Services (JFS) office.
- The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on its income, household size, and other factors.
- SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers.
Additional Resources
- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS): https://jfs.ohio.gov
- Ohio SNAP Program: https://jfs.ohio.gov/foodassistance/snap.stm
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: https://www.fns.usda.gov/
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2020 | PEA program begins |
| March 2023 | PEA program ends |
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (PEBT)
PEBT is a temporary program that provides food assistance to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. The goal of this program is to ensure that these families have access to nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools are closed or operating on a hybrid schedule.
PEBT Benefits in Ohio
- In Ohio, eligible families received a one-time PEBT benefit of $125 per child for the 2020-2021 school year.
- These benefits were issued in April and May of 2021.
- To be eligible for PEBT in Ohio, children must have been enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program on or before October 5, 2020.
How to Apply for PEBT in Ohio
Families in Ohio do not need to apply for PEBT. Eligible families will be automatically notified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and will receive their benefits on an EBT card.
Contact Information
For more information on PEBT in Ohio, families can call the ODJFS at 1-800-324-8680 or visit their website at www.jfs.ohio.gov.
Ohio SNAP Emergency Allotments
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has been providing emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments to Ohioans since March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These extra food stamps have helped families purchase groceries and put food on the table during these challenging times.
As of June 2023, the emergency SNAP allotments are still being provided in Ohio, and they are scheduled to continue through at least February 2024. This means that Ohioans who are eligible for SNAP will continue to receive an additional $95 per month in benefits, in addition to their regular SNAP allotment.
Here is some important information about the Ohio SNAP emergency allotments:
- Who is eligible? All Ohioans who are currently receiving SNAP benefits are eligible for the emergency allotments.
- How much will I receive? You will receive an additional $95 per month in benefits, in addition to your regular SNAP allotment.
- When will I receive my emergency allotment? Your emergency allotment will be added to your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card on the same day that you receive your regular SNAP benefits.
- Do I need to do anything to apply for the emergency allotment? No, you do not need to do anything to apply for the emergency allotment. It will be added to your EBT card automatically.
Table of Ohio SNAP Emergency Allotment Dates:
| Month | Emergency Allotment Amount |
|---|---|
| March 2020 – June 2023 | $95 |
| July 2023 – February 2024 | $95 |
For more information about the Ohio SNAP emergency allotments, please visit the ODJFS website or call the ODJFS customer service hotline at 1-800-686-1556.
What are Food Stamps?
Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal program that provides food assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. Ohio is one of the states that participate in the SNAP program.
USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the federal agency responsible for managing SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs. FNS works with state agencies to implement and administer SNAP at the local level.
Is Extra Food Stamps Being Given This Month in Ohio?
There is no additional information available regarding the issuance of extra food stamps in Ohio this month. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on several factors, including household size, income, and expenses. Ohio residents who are interested in applying for SNAP can contact their local Job and Family Services office for more information.
How to Apply for SNAP in Ohio
- Contact your local Job and Family Services office.
- You can also apply online at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website.
- You will need to provide proof of identity, income, and expenses.
Eligibility Requirements for SNAP in Ohio
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
- Have a valid Social Security number.
- Meet certain income and asset limits.
- Be unemployed, underemployed, or meet specific work requirements.
- Be a member of a household that is considered low-income.
SNAP Benefits in Ohio
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on several factors, including household size, income, and expenses. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit amount for a household of one person in Ohio is $281. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit amount for a household of four people in Ohio is $835.
How to Use SNAP Benefits in Ohio
- SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or hot foods.
- SNAP benefits can be used to purchase seeds and plants that produce food.
SNAP Fraud in Ohio
SNAP fraud is a crime. It is illegal to use SNAP benefits to purchase non-food items or to sell SNAP benefits for cash. People who commit SNAP fraud may be subject to fines, jail time, or both.
That’s all I got for you today on the topic of extra food stamps in Ohio for this month. I hope this information has found you well and helped provide some clarity to your questions. Remember, government programs and policies can fluctuate over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with official sources for the most up-to-date information. If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local food assistance agency. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit us again soon.