Learn About Ohio Food Stamps

Updated on 09/30/2022

Ohio food stamps are provided by the Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) to low-income families who need help affording their monthly groceries. Through this initiative, which officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), eligible households receive funds that can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items. However, be mindful that the SNAP program is meant to supplement a family’s monthly grocery budget rather than covering the entire cost of food for the month.

You must submit an application to the ODJFS office in your county of residence in order to receive benefits. If approved, the amount of SNAP food stamps you receive will vary based on your income, family size and other eligibility factors. Read below to learn more about applying for food assistance and using your benefits.

Learn About Ohio Food Stamps Requirements

Your food stamps eligibility in Ohio will be determined by an ODJFS office in the county where you file your application. Overall, the program has various food stamp qualifications relating to your income, financial resources, household size, legal presence in the U.S. and other factors.

For example, in order to receive Ohio SNAP food stamps, your family needs to have a low income and a limited amount of resources. Income includes money that you earned through your job or performing other services. A resource, on the other hand, includes things such as bank accounts, savings bonds or cash. In most cases, your vehicle will not be counted as a resource unless it exceeds a certain value. Furthermore, the home that you live in does not generally count.

It is important to understand that the SNAP income guidelines apply to all the members of your household. In other words, you must count the income and resources of each family member when determining your eligibility. A household member includes anyone who lives together and shares meals. However, it can also include certain people who do not live and eat together, such as the spouse of a household member, even if that person does not live in the same home.

The food stamp income guidelines in Ohio allow for certain expenses to be deducted, which can make it easier for you to qualify. For example, you may be able to take a standard deduction based on your shelter costs or deduct excess medical expenses if you have a disability.

Next, your SNAP eligibility is based on whether or not you are in the U.S. legally. Overall, this program is only available to U.S. citizens and legal residents who can provide valid documentation from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If you are an able-bodied adult between 18 and 59 years of age, it is also important to understand the work requirements that may apply to you. If you are not already gainfully employed, you may need to register for work through the SNAP program in order to meet these food stamp qualifications.

How to Apply for Food Stamps in Ohio

You may submit a food stamp application to the ODJFS office in your county using a few different methods. First, it is possible to apply for food stamps online using the official state portal. To do so, you will need to log into an existing account or create a new one.

Moreover, you may apply for food stamps using a paper application instead. A food stamp application form is typically available as a printable PDF file on the official state portal, or in paper form at an ODJFS office. Completed forms may be returned to your local office by mail, by fax or in person. Keep in mind that the start date of your benefits is based on when you submit your application, so it is important to complete your form as soon as possible.

After you apply for SNAP in Ohio, you will be required to undergo an in-person interview to verify your information. Be mindful that phone interviews are not usually an option in Ohio. During the in-person interview, you may need to provide the following types of documents to help certify the information on your application:

  • Proof of your Social Security number (SSN)
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration documents
  • Pay stubs, bank statements and other documentation about your income and resources
  • A form of identification
  • Receipts and bills to verify any deductible expenses

Download our free guide to learn more about the application procedures for SNAP and the documents you may need to provide.

Learn About SNAP Benefits in Ohio

If you are approved for food stamp benefits in Ohio, you may receive assistance within one month. However, in emergency situations, it is possible to get approved in as little as one week. Generally, your income and financial resources amount will determine whether you qualify for emergency food assistance.

There is no standard allotment for SNAP benefits in Ohio due to the fact that each family’s income and circumstances are different. As such, your letter of approval will state your official benefit amount. Keep in mind that any changes to your household composition, income or other eligibility factors may affect your benefit amount in the future.

SNAP food benefits may be used to purchase a wide variety of items at participating grocery stores, superstores and certain farmers’ markets. Types of food that you can buy include:

  • Meat, fish and poultry
  • Bread, cereal and other grains
  • Dairy products and dairy alternatives
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Seeds and plants you can grow at home

Ohio SNAP benefits cannot be used for purchasing alcohol, tobacco or non-food items. Furthermore, you cannot use your EBT card to withdraw cash at an ATM or get cash back with a purchase. Get our free guide to learn more about how to use your benefits.

Contact Information

Name: Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Office of Family Assistance

Phone Number: (614) 466-4815

Address: 30 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Director: Matt Damschroder

Last Updated: September 30, 2022