The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced that all Ohioans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which distribute food stamps to supplement the food budget of low-income households, will receive the maximum amount of food stamps possible for their household size in March 2023. The maximum amount is based on household size. This is due to the expiration of the state’s waiver to administer the SNAP program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The waiver allowed the state to provide additional SNAP benefits to households to help them cope with the economic impact of the pandemic.
Increased SNAP Benefits in Ohio
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been providing additional SNAP benefits to help families in need. In Ohio, this has meant an extra $125 per month for each eligible household. The additional benefits were set to expire in September 2023, but the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has announced that they will continue through September 2025.
- SNAP benefits have been increased by $125 per month for each eligible household in Ohio.
- The additional benefits were set to expire in September 2023, but they have been extended through September 2025.
The increased SNAP benefits are available to all Ohioans who are eligible for SNAP, including families, individuals, and seniors. To apply for SNAP benefits, you can visit your local Job and Family Services office or apply online at benefits.ohio.gov.
| Eligibility | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 people | $516 |
| 3 people | $740 |
| 4 people | $939 |
| 5 people | $1,116 |
| 6 people | $1,290 |
| 7 people | $1,463 |
| 8 people | $1,636 |
The increased SNAP benefits are making a difference in the lives of Ohioans who are struggling to put food on the table. In a recent survey, 96% of SNAP recipients said that the additional benefits have helped them buy more food and eat healthier.
Ohio Food Stamps (SNAP) Program
The Ohio Food Stamps (SNAP) program provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Ohio Food Stamps program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Have a gross income that is less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Have assets that are less than or equal to $2,500 for a single person or $4,000 for a household of two or more people.
- Be unemployed or underemployed.
- Be a student or enrolled in a job training program.
- Be disabled or elderly.
- Be pregnant or caring for a child under the age of 5.
Application Process
To apply for the Ohio Food Stamps program, you can:
- Apply online at the ODJFS website.
- Apply by mail by downloading and completing the application form from the ODJFS website.
- Apply in person at your local ODJFS office.
You will need to provide the following information on your application:
- Your name, address, and Social Security number.
- The names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of all household members.
- Your income and assets.
- Any expenses that you have.
Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an ODJFS caseworker. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive a benefits card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $409 |
| 3 people | $568 |
| 4 people | $728 |
| 5 people | $888 |
| 6 people | $1,048 |
| 7 people | $1,208 |
| 8 people | $1,368 |
| Each additional person | $160 |
Distribution Schedule
The distribution schedule for SNAP benefits in Ohio for the month of March 2023 is as follows:
- March 1: Recipients with last names beginning with A-C
- March 2: Recipients with last names beginning with D-G
- March 3: Recipients with last names beginning with H-K
- March 8: Recipients with last names beginning with L-O
- March 9: Recipients with last names beginning with P-S
- March 10: Recipients with last names beginning with T-V
- March 15: Recipients with last names beginning with W-Z
Benefits will be deposited into recipients’ accounts on the date listed for their last name. If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, benefits will be deposited on the next business day.
Payment Amounts
The amount of SNAP benefits that a household receives each month is based on the household’s size and income. The maximum benefit amount for a household of one person is $281 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of two people is $516 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of three people is $725 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four people is $939 per month.
Households with more than four people can receive additional benefits. The maximum benefit amount for a household of five people is $1,161 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of six people is $1,383 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of seven people is $1,605 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of eight people is $1,827 per month.
SNAP benefits are issued on an EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $725 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,161 |
| 6 | $1,383 |
| 7 | $1,605 |
| 8 | $1,827 |
Additional Resources for Ohio Residents
To provide additional support to individuals facing food insecurity, the state of Ohio offers several programs and resources. These resources can help Ohio residents access nutritious and affordable food, regardless of their income or circumstances.
- Ohio Association of Foodbanks: A network of food banks dedicated to fighting hunger in Ohio. They distribute food to pantries, soup kitchens, and other charitable organizations throughout the state.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): A federal program that provides emergency food assistance to low-income households. TEFAP food is distributed through food banks and other community organizations.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retail stores.
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): A federal program that provides supplemental food to women, infants, and children. CSFP food packages contain a variety of nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- The School Breakfast and Lunch Program: A federal program that provides free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches to students in public and private schools. These meals help ensure that children have access to nutritious food during the school day.
In addition to these programs, Ohio also offers a number of resources to help food insecure individuals and families. These resources include:
- The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS): ODJFS provides a variety of services to low-income individuals and families, including food assistance, cash assistance, and child care assistance.
- The Ohio Food Stamp Hotline: This hotline provides information about SNAP benefits and eligibility. The hotline number is 1-800-686-1556.
- The Ohio Hunger Helpline: This helpline connects individuals and families with food assistance programs and resources. The helpline number is 1-866-3-HUNGRY.
These programs and resources can provide much-needed support to Ohio residents facing food insecurity. By working together, we can help ensure that everyone in Ohio has access to nutritious and affordable food.
| Program | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. | Income and asset limits apply. |
| Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) | Provides emergency food assistance to low-income households. | Income and asset limits apply. |
| Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | Provides supplemental food to women, infants, and children. | Income and asset limits apply. |
Hey there, readers! Thanks for sticking with me through this exploration of the extra food stamp situation in Ohio. I hope you found the information helpful and informative. Remember, this is a dynamic topic, so things can change quickly. If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, be sure to visit us again soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them below. I’d love to hear from you!