The Food Assistance Program − formerly called food stamps and known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) − helps eligible low-income Ohioans stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food. Food assistance benefits are distributed electronically through the Ohio Direction Card, which is similar to a debit card.
Do I qualify for food assistance benefits?
You may qualify for benefits if your household’s gross monthly income is at or under 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
What can I buy with food assistance benefits?
You can use your benefits to buy most food products. Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages; tobacco; vitamins and/or medicines; hot food products that are made to be eaten immediately (including prepared food from grocery stores and restaurants); and non-food items (such as pet food, paper products, soaps and household supplies). You are not allowed to sell or trade food assistance benefits, buy non-food items with your benefits, or use your benefits to buy food for someone who is not a member of your household.
How can I apply for food assistance?
You may apply for food assistance online by clicking here
Or by calling 844-640-6446
You will need proof of the following:
- Social Security number or proof that you’ve applied for one
- Income (from such things as pay stubs, tax records or child support notices)
- Identity (for example, a driver’s license or state ID)
- Housing and utility costs
- Any child care or dependent care costs
- Any child support you pay for children not living with you
- Any medical expenses (including prescriptions) for those with disabilities or for those over age 60
We may verify the information that you provide by contacting other agencies or people. We may ask you to provide other documents. If you need help getting any documents, be sure to tell your caseworker.
How much are payments?
Benefit amounts are determined based on household size, expenses and, in some situations, resources.
Household size includes the number of people in your household who purchase and prepare food together. Household expenses include your rent or mortgage, gas, electric, water, sewer, phone and medical expenses, as well as any child support or child care payments. Calculate your potential eligibility
When will I receive my food assistance benefits?
If you qualify your monthly benefit will be loaded onto your Ohio Direction Card (EBT) on a regular assigned date sometime between the first and the 20th of the month.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cr/fns-nondiscrimination-statement
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) state or local agencies, and their subrecipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), 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.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:
- mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
