The Food Assistance Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and often referred to as Ohio Food Stamps, is dedicated to supporting low-income individuals and families in Ohio. This crucial program provides monthly benefits to eligible households, empowering them to purchase nutritious food and improve their overall food security. Ohio Food Stamps serves as a vital resource, helping Clinton County and all Ohio communities strive towards greater financial stability and well-being.
Determining Your Eligibility for Ohio Food Stamps
To qualify for Ohio Food Stamps, your household’s gross monthly income generally needs to be at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually by the federal government. For the most current figures, please refer to the Federal Poverty Guidelines. It’s important to note that some households with incomes exceeding this limit may still be eligible if they include elderly or disabled individuals.
For a streamlined way to manage your benefits and locate nearby food resources in Ohio, explore the Fresh EBT program. You can find more information by clicking here: FRESH EBT/OHIO.
The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) Program in Ohio
Ohio Food Stamps offers more than just food purchasing assistance. The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program is designed to help SNAP participants develop skills, gain valuable training, and acquire work experience. The ultimate goal of SNAP E&T is to enhance participants’ employability and promote long-term self-sufficiency.
Through SNAP E&T, participants gain access to a range of training and support services tailored to help them enter or advance within the workforce. To reduce barriers to employment, the program can also provide essential support services such as transportation assistance and childcare, facilitating participants’ preparation for and attainment of employment.
Understanding the Work Requirement for Ohio Food Stamps
For able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) receiving Ohio Food Stamps, participation in SNAP E&T can be a pathway to meeting the ABAWD work requirement. To fulfill this requirement, ABAWD participants are generally expected to work at least 20 hours per week, or an average of 80 hours per month. There are several ways to meet this 20-hour weekly work requirement:
- Engage in Work: This can include paid employment, work in exchange for goods or services, unpaid work, or volunteer work.
- Participate in a Work Program: Qualifying work programs include those funded under Title 1 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Trade Act programs, employment and training programs for veterans administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs, and participation in SNAP E&T itself.
- Combination of Work and a Work Program: A mix of work and participation in a qualifying work program can also satisfy the requirement.
If you choose to engage in unpaid work to meet the requirement, you will need to complete a verification form. This form, along with detailed information about your work requirements, will be mailed to you.
If you are interested in participating in SNAP E&T, you can request a referral for a comprehensive assessment. This assessment will help identify activities and training opportunities that align with your employment goals and help you achieve them.
Applying for Ohio Food Stamps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for Ohio Food Stamps is designed to be accessible and convenient. You have multiple options to submit your application:
- Online Application: The quickest and easiest way to apply is online through the Benefits.Ohio.Gov portal.
- Phone Application: You can apply over the phone by calling 1-866-635-3748. Follow the prompts to be directed to the food assistance application process.
- Mail or In-Person Application: You can download and complete the Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance form (JFS 7200). This form can be submitted in person at your local Clinton County Job and Family Services, Family Support Unit during business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm). You can also mail, email, or drop off your application in the drop box located outside the Job and Family Services Building.
When applying for Ohio Food Stamps, ensure you have the following information readily available:
- Social Security number (or proof of application for one)
- Proof of Income (such as recent pay stubs, tax records, or child support documentation)
- Proof of Identity (like a driver’s license or state ID)
- Information on Housing and Utility Costs
- Details of any Child Care or Dependent Care Expenses
- Information on Child Support Payments for children not living in your household
- Documentation of Medical Expenses (including prescriptions) for disabled individuals or those over 60
The administering agency may verify the information you provide by contacting other agencies or individuals. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation to support your application.
Understanding Your Ohio Food Stamps Benefits
The amount of Ohio Food Stamps benefits you receive is determined by various factors, including your household size, your expenses, and in certain situations, your available resources. If your application is approved, your monthly benefits will be loaded onto an Ohio Direction Card. Benefits are typically disbursed on a regular, assigned date between the 1st and the 20th of each month.
Protecting Your Ohio Food Stamps Benefits from Fraud
It is crucial to safeguard your Ohio Food Stamps benefits against fraud and scams. For important information on how to protect your SNAP benefits and personal information, please visit: Protect And Secure Your Information | Job and Family Services.
FNS Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.
Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Individuals eligible for, receiving services from or benefiting from programs funded by or through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) are protected by various laws, regulations, rules, and policies against unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, political affiliation (food stamps only), age, sex, citizenship/ participant status (WIOA Programs only) and national origin. If you believe that you have been denied or delayed services for which you are eligible because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, political affiliation (food stamps only), disability or age, you must file your complaint within six months of the date on which the incident or treatment happened. You may call the Bureau of Civil Rights to submit your complaint, or you may submit your complaint in writing. If the complaint is submitted by telephone you can call (614) 644-2703 or Toll Free 1-866-227-6353.
