Lorain County Job & Family Services

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SNAP

What is SNAP?

  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps low-income adults and families stretch their monthly food budgets and buy healthy food
  • SNAP is not designed to feed an adult or family for an entire month.  It is designed to supplement the money adults and families already spend on food
  • Benefits are issued electronically each month through an Ohio Direction Card, which is used like a debit card

What can I buy with the Ohio Direction Card?

  • Most food products

What can I not buy with the Ohio Direction Card?

  • Prepared food from restaurants and grocery stores
  • Non-food items such as soap, paper products, and cleaning supplies
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • VItamins and medicines
  • Pet food

Who is eligible for SNAP?

  • Adults, families, and children are potentially eligible for SNAP if the income, residence, and citizenship requirements are met
  • To check your potential eligibility for SNAP, visit the ODJFS Benefits website at https://benefits.ohio.gov/ 

What are the income and eligibility guldelines?

  • Eligibility is based on gross monthly income
  • Generally, adults and families with gross monthly incomes under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible to receive some sort of SNAP
  • Monthly benefits are determined by comparing an adult or family's gross monthly income to their child care expenses, child support payments, and housing/utility costs
  • In certain instances, a medical expense deduction from gross monthly income can be applied to assistance groups with elderly and/or disabled individuals

Assistance Group Size

130% FPL Gross Monthly Income Standard

1

$1,396

2

$1,888

3

$2,379

4

$2,871

5

$3,363

6

$3,855

7

$4,347

8

$4,839

9

$5,331

10

$5,823

11

$6,315

12

$6,807

Do I have to participate in a Work Experience Program to receive SNAP?

  • Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDS) who do not meet a program exemption must either be employed 20 hours per week or participate in a Work Experience Program through LCDJFS in order to receive SNAP

How do I apply for SNAP?

  • Click here for more information

For more information on the SNAP program, please visit the following sites: 

 

 

 

Cash, Food, and Medical Assistance