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:
- ODJFS Website
- Food Assistance Fact Sheet
- Ohio Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card
- SNAP Program Eligibility Screening Tool