Food Stamps. Food Assistance. EBT. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has had many names, but its goal remains the same: to help low-income individuals and families afford healthy food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs SNAP at the federal level, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages eligibility and issues benefits in Ohio.
To qualify for SNAP, a household’s gross monthly income must be below 130% of the federal poverty line, or about $1,632 per month for one person. People age 60 or older or individuals with disabilities may qualify with higher income. Countable resources (such as a bank account) must be below $3,000, or $4,500 if someone elderly or disabled lives in the household. People who receive SSI, TANF, or Ohio Works First are categorically eligible. In short, SNAP helps people who have limited income and savings.
Applicants must provide Social Security numbers, proof of identity and residence, and financial information for everyone in their household. The financial information includes “shelter costs” such as rent and utility bills. By providing these proof of expenses, the SNAP benefit could increase.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, medicine, pet food, prepared foods, diapers, paper products, or cleaning supplies. They can be used at many grocery stores and farmers’ markets to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, non-alcoholic drinks, and canned goods.
According to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, about 12% of Ohioans receive SNAP benefits. That’s roughly 1.4 million people. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks reports that 43% of recipients live in households with someone age 60 or older or with a disability. The average Ohio participant receives $5.64 per day in benefits, while the USDA estimates the low-end daily cost of food for an adult is $8.84, showing that SNAP covers only part of what people need for food.
A new law, H.R. 1, now requires adults age 55 to 64 and adults with children age 14 to 17 to report work activity; previously the age limit was 18 to 54. This change could affect over 53,000 Ohioans. The law also cuts federal SNAP funding, shifting more financial responsibility to states, which may be difficult to sustain.
As of early November 2025, many Ohio residents have not received their November SNAP benefits because of the federal government shutdown. The governor may release state funds, and several lawsuits are trying to restore federal funding. While unused benefits remain available, many families are struggling to buy food and prepare for colder weather and Thanksgiving without new assistance.
If you live in Ohio and are facing food insecurity, you can find help by calling 2-1-1, visiting 211oh.org, or contacting your local food bank or pantry (a locator tool is available at https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/get-help/find-food).