Food Assistance/SNAP

Food assistance, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps to meet the nutritional needs of individuals in low income households. Eligible families are issued an Ohio Direction Card (electronic debit card), which can be used to purchase food at participating stores.

Who can get Food Assistance?

Families and individuals can receive this benefit. Eligibility is based on factors such as family size, assets, income, expenses and resources.

What can be purchased with the Ohio Direction Card?

Food, as well as seeds and plants to grow food.

Examples of things you cannot purchase:

  • Pet food
  • Paper products, cleaning supplies, household items
  • Medicines and vitamins
  • Tobacco products
  • Alcoholic drinks

When you apply for Food Assistance you will need to bring some verifications with you to complete the application process such as:

  • Original birth certificate
  • Original social security card
  • Proof of age and citizenship
  • Proof of any income received in the household
  • Proof of assets, such as bank account statements
  • Proof of housing costs, utility expense and address
  • Proof of disability (if you claim it)

The amount of assistance will vary based on the family size and other factors, and your caseworker may ask for additional verifications. Able-bodied adults may be required to complete a work activity in order to be eligible for assistance.

Apply for benefits online…

MARCH SNAP BENEFITS

As a result of the February SNAP benefits being issued early, Ohio is adjusting the March benefit issuance schedule. Eligible SNAP families will receive half of their March benefits on Friday, February 22, 2019, and the rest of the benefits will be issued on the normal March issuance date. The adjusted issuance cycle is intended to help reduce the issuance gap for SNAP households.
 
We encourage Ohio SNAP-participating customers to plan their purchases carefully so that they have money available to meet all their food needs.