Ohioans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive extra funds this month. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said the additional funds are a result of the federal government’s additional SNAP funding, which is part of an effort to help families struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extra funds will be loaded onto recipients’ EBT cards by the end of the month and will bring the total amount of SNAP benefits to the maximum amount for each household size.
Ohio’s Food Stamp Program
Ohio’s Food Stamp Program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and funded by the federal government. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Ohio
- Have a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Have resources, such as cash and bank accounts, at or below certain limits
- Meet certain work requirements, if applicable
Benefits
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month depends on your household size and income. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of four is $835.
How to Apply
You can apply for SNAP benefits online, by mail, or in person at your local county Job and Family Services office. The application process can take up to 30 days.
Additional Resources
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,340 |
| 2 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $2,268 |
| 4 | $2,732 |
| 5 | $3,196 |
| 6 | $3,660 |
| 7 | $4,124 |
| 8 | $4,588 |
| Each additional person | $464 |
COVID-19 Pandemic Food Assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic hardship, leading to increased need for food assistance. In response, the federal government has provided additional funding for food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Ohio has benefited from this increased funding, and many residents have received extra SNAP benefits during the pandemic.
Emergency Allotments
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, passed in March 2020, provided funding for emergency SNAP allotments. These allotments are a temporary increase in SNAP benefits for all recipients. The amount of the emergency allotment is based on household size, and varies from one month to the next. Emergency allotments have been provided every month since April 2020, and are currently scheduled to continue through at least May 2023. Ohio residents have received emergency SNAP allotments at the same rate as residents of other states.
How to Apply for Extra SNAP Benefits
To apply for extra SNAP benefits, Ohio residents should contact their local county Job and Family Services office. Applications can also be submitted online. The application process is the same as for regular SNAP benefits. Residents who are already receiving SNAP benefits do not need to reapply for emergency allotments.
The following table shows the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for Ohio households during the COVID-19 pandemic, including emergency allotments:
| Household Size | Benefit Amount (with Emergency Allotment) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 person | $516 |
| 3 person | $782 |
| 4 person | $1,046 |
| 5 person | $1,233 |
| 6 person | $1,504 |
| 7 person | $1,774 |
| 8 person | $2,044 |
Emergency SNAP allotments have been a critical lifeline for many Ohio families during the COVID-19 pandemic. These benefits have helped people put food on the table and avoid hunger. With the pandemic still ongoing, these extra benefits are more important than ever.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (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 retailers. In Ohio, SNAP is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
SNAP Benefits in Ohio
The amount of SNAP benefits that a household receives is based on the household’s income and size. The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of four in Ohio is $835 per month. SNAP benefits are issued on an EBT card, which can be used like a debit card to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Emergency SNAP Benefits
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided additional SNAP benefits to states. In Ohio, these additional benefits are called Emergency SNAP benefits. Emergency SNAP benefits are available to all SNAP households, regardless of their income. The amount of Emergency SNAP benefits that a household receives is equal to the household’s regular SNAP benefit amount.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can submit an application online or by mail. You can also apply for SNAP benefits in person at your local Job and Family Services office. You will need to provide proof of income, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
- Online: You can apply for SNAP benefits online at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website.
- By mail: You can download a SNAP application from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website. You can also request a SNAP application by calling the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
- In person: You can apply for SNAP benefits in person at your local Job and Family Services office.
SNAP Benefits Schedule
SNAP benefits are issued on a monthly basis. The schedule for SNAP benefits issuance is as follows:
| Month | Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 3 – 5 |
| February | February 2 – 4 |
| March | March 2 – 4 |
| April | April 3 – 5 |
| May | May 2 – 4 |
| June | June 1 – 3 |
| July | July 3 – 5 |
| August | August 1 – 3 |
| September | September 1 – 3 |
| October | October 2 – 4 |
| November | November 2 – 4 |
| December | December 1 – 3 |
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Ohio. SNAP is a federal nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food.
SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits are issued electronically on an Ohio Direction Card, which can be used to buy food at authorized retailers.
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on its income, expenses, and number of household members. Maximum allotments for Ohio residents for February 2023 are detailed below:
| Household Size | Maximum Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,127 |
| 6 | $1,290 |
| 7 | $1,453 |
| 8 | $1,616 |
| Each additional person | $163 |
Applying for SNAP
To apply for SNAP, you can submit an application online at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website, by mail, or in person at your local county Job and Family Services office.
Eligibility
To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet certain income and asset limits. For most households, the gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. The asset limit is $2,500 for individuals and $3,750 for households.
Contact Information
For more information about SNAP in Ohio, you can contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at 1-800-686-1556 or visit their website.
Alright readers, that’s all the info we have for now on whether Ohio will be getting extra food stamps this month. Be sure to check back with us later for updates as things can change quickly. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our other articles on food assistance and other resources available to Ohioans. Thanks for reading, folks!