Food Assistance – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP helps eligible individuals and families buy food.
Approved benefits are added to an Ohio Direction Card, which can be used at participating retailers to purchase eligible food items. The amount a household receives is based on program rules and information such as household size, income and allowable expenses.
Income Guidelines
You may qualify for SNAP if your household’s gross monthly income (the total monthly countable earned and unearned income) is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines change yearly; you can find the current figures linked below. Households that are categorically eligible or contain an elderly or disabled person have certain eligibility factors waived and may be allowed up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines in countable monthly income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply online through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or call 844-640-6446. You may also get application assistance at the Summit County Job and Family Services office.
What happens after I apply?
You may need to complete an interview and provide documents verifying information such as household members, income, expenses or other circumstances. Read all notices carefully and submit requested information by the listed deadline. Missing an interview or deadline may delay your application or affect your eligibility.
How do I submit documents or report a change?
Use the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to manage your case and upload documents. You can also email your documents SummitE-Docs@jfs.ohio.gov. Physical documents can be placed in the drop boxes located outside of the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (1180 South Main Street) or sent vis USPS.
Include identifying information requested by the agency, keep proof of submission and follow the instructions in your notice.
How is my benefit amount decided?
Benefit amounts are calculated under each program’s rules. The agency may consider household size, income, allowable expenses and other circumstances. Your official eligibility notice will explain the decision made for your case.
How do I know whether I may qualify?
Review the current income guidelines for general information. Income is not always the only eligibility factor, so the best way to receive an official determination is to apply.
- Apply for SNAP Start a new application for benefits, including Food, Cash, Early Childhood Services, or Medical Assistance.
- Ohio Cash Assistance - Ohio Works First (OWF) Ohio Works First (OWF) is the financial assistance portion of the state's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.
SNAP benefits are added to an Ohio Direction Card. The card works like an electronic benefit card at participating retailers and can be used to purchase eligible food items.
Call Ohio Direction Card Customer Service at 866-386-3071 or visit their website at: https://www.connectebt.com/ebtconnect/recipient/OH/. Protect your personal identification number, or PIN, and review your transactions regularly. Report a lost or stolen card as soon as possible.
Some SNAP recipients must meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits. Exemptions may apply based on age, disability, pregnancy, caregiving responsibilities, employment and other circumstances. Because work requirements and waivers may change, review the current SNAP work-requirement information or contact Summit County Job and Family Services.
SNAP Employment and Training may help eligible participants build skills, prepare for work and meet certain work requirements.
Download the ConnectEBT app to get transactions alerts and lock your card when not using it and learn more about multiple ways to protect your card (PDF).
- Protect Your EBT Benefits (Cash & Food) - PDF, 179.9k
- ConnectEBT App for Apple The fast, secure and easy way to monitor your EBT available balance, deposits, transaction activity, and select or change your PIN
- ConnectEBT App on Google Play The fast, secure and easy way to monitor your EBT available balance, deposits, transaction activity, and select or change your PIN
Photo Credit: Little girl filling grocery cart with food - Photo by David Veksler on Unsplash.