Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP funds are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works a lot like a debit card. SNAP can help you stretch your food purchasing and household budgets further, giving you more money to buy fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, dry goods, and other grocery staples at your local food retailers.

You can view a full list of items eligible to purchase with your SNAP funds and search for retailers that accept SNAP near where you shop for food. Here's a resource with more information about options for shopping with SNAP/EBT funds online in Ohio.

SNAP is an entitlement program – that means that participation in SNAP is based on income eligibility and is not limited to a certain number of people or households. You will not take away food benefits from anyone else by participating. You will put healthy food on the table, you will support local jobs and tax revenue, and you will free up other funds to pay the bills for your household.

Visit benefits.ohio.gov to apply for SNAP today. If mailing or going in person to turn in application, please find your local JFS office here.

My SNAP benefits/EBT card were stolen through electronic theft, like a card skimming device, card cloning, or another phishing scam. What can I do? Types of electronic theft include card skimming devices (when devices installed on card reader machines or point-of-sale terminals illegally capture card data), card cloning (when criminals create fake EBT cards to shop with skimmed benefits), and other criminal methods, such as scams and phishing. Unfortunately, EBT cards are more likely to be targets for these types of theft, as they are less secure than other forms of payment, like chip-enabled credit cards or payment methods with two-factor verification.

SNAP Emergency Allotments Ended. What Do I Need to Know? SNAP benefits decreased for all SNAP households starting in March 2023. Each month during the pandemic, SNAP benefits were loaded onto EBT cards two separate times. Starting in March, you have only been receiving the amount of your first benefit. Call 1-866-386-3071 to check your benefit amount or use JoinProviders.com for a free smart phone app to track your funds. You will not lose the benefits currently on your card. You can manage your case information, including updating your address and contact information as well as information about expenses like child care and shelter costs which impact your benefit amount, at benefits.ohio.gov.

As of December 20, 2024, Congress has halted reimbursement for stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft. While we are actively monitoring this situation for updates, there is currently no recourse for stolen benefits being made. At this time because there is no reimbursements we recommend you

Learn more about this federal law change from our End of SNAP Emergency Allotments flyer, available in the following languages:

English • Spanish • Somali • Nepali • Arabic • Mandarin • Russian

SNAP Interim Reports are Back. What Do I Need to Know? SNAP Interim Reports were waived during the pandemic but returned beginning in July 2022. Interim Reports are required for many households six months after an application or recertification. Learn more about when to expect notices, how to submit your Interim Report when it is due, how to update your information to make sure you receive notices, and how to get help if you need it from this SNAP Interim Reports informational resource.

Who is eligible for SNAP?

Your household gross income must be below 200% of the federal poverty level to meet initial eligibility guidelines for SNAP. Here is a quick glance at monthly gross income limits by household size:

For most households, your household net income after qualifying SNAP deductions must also be below 130% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for SNAP, and you may also need to meet other eligibility requirements.

How much could my household receive in SNAP benefits?

The amount of SNAP you receive is based on your net countable income, after subtracting basic household expenses like rent and utilities from your gross income. Many households do not receive the maximum SNAP household benefit, but any amount is helpful to stretch food purchasing dollars for yourself and your family.

Are there other benefits to participating in SNAP?

In addition to helping you afford the groceries your family needs, participating in SNAP can also help you access many other savings programs and discounts. Please take a look at this More Ways SNAP Can Help Ohioans flyer for information about how you can save on everything from internet and cell phone service to tickets to attractions and so much more!