Food & Nutrition

Ohio Food Assistance Program

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Ohio Food Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps and known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—or SNAP) helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Ohio pay for food.

If you're approved for Food Assistance benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Ohio Direction Card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Ohio to buy Food Assistance-approved food items. You can also make Food Assistance purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Ohio Food Assistance work?

The Food Assistance Program is run by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) Division of Social Services. County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) offices across the state provide local support for people who receive Food Assistance and other types of public assistance.

Food Assistance can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are Food Assistance-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the Food Assistance application process like in Ohio?

While the idea of applying for Food Assistance may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or ODJFS case manager can assist you. Generally, here are the steps to apply for Ohio Food Assistance:

Check your eligibility online: Answer a few simple questions online to see if your household may be able to get Food Assistance in Ohio.
Fill out an application: You can apply for Ohio Food Assistance online, in person, or by mail. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone interview with an ODJFS case manager.
Wait for a decision: Most Ohio Food Assistance applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.

Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for Food Assistance benefits, you will receive your Ohio Direction Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for the Food Assistance Program?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for Food Assistance, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

You must be an Ohio resident and a U.S. citizen or have certain legal status. Undocumented non-citizens are not eligible.
You must have a Social Security number (or have applied for one).
If you're an adult without kids and you're able to work, you might have to work or take part in a work program to continue getting Food Assistance benefits.
People convicted of certain drug-related felonies may not be eligible.
College students are not eligible for Food Assistance unless they meet certain work requirements or exceptions.

The amount of money you will get in Ohio Food Assistance benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Ohio Food Assistance/SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get Food Assistance benefits. In Ohio, most households must meet a gross income limit of 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some households must meet only the net income limit (100%).

Note: As of 2024, Ohio has added tiered (sliding scale) eligibility for households with income above the 130% threshold. This means that as a recipient’s income approaches 200% FPL, the amount of monthly SNAP benefits gradually decreases. Learn more about Ohio's sliding scale here.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the Food Assistance income limit. An ODJFS case manager can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction, based on household size
Dependent care expenses
Certain housing expenses
Certain utility expenses
Legally obligated child support
Medical expenses in excess of $35 per month (for older adults and people with disabilities)

What are the Ohio Food Assistance asset limits?

Assets refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). In Ohio, the SNAP asset limit for households that did not meet the gross income limit, and that have a member who is age 60+ or has a disability, is $4,500. Some resources do not count toward this amount, such as your home, certain vehicles, and retirement plans.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. To apply for Ohio Food Assistance, you will need the following for everyone in your household (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Photo identification for you or the head of the household (a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security numbers and birthdates for each person in the household
Permanent resident card/green card (if not a U.S. citizen)
How much money each household member has in cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, etc.
Your household's monthly bills, including child care, child support, and adult dependent care
Medical bills for anyone over 60 or who has a disability
Proof of income for each person (pay stubs, etc.)
Proof of shelter costs (rent or mortgage, utility bills, homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, condo fees, second mortgages)
Paperwork or IDs from other benefits you receive, like Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your Food Assistance application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your Food Assistance application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for Food Assistance in Ohio

There are several ways to apply for Ohio Food Assistance. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for Food Assistance is online through the Ohio Benefits self-service portal. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply in the Ohio Benefits self-service portal

To apply online:

Go to the Ohio Benefits self-service portal. Under ‘Apply for Cash, Food, Medical, or Child Care Assistance,’ click on ‘Apply for Benefits.’
- If you already have an Ohio Benefits account, enter your username and password and click ‘Log in.’
- If you do not have an Ohio Benefits account, click ‘Click here to create a username’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password.
Once you've logged in, you’ll see your account dashboard. The dashboard displays a variety of actions you can take while on the site, such as submitting documents or renewing your benefits.
Click the blue button that says, ‘Apply for Benefits.’ On the next screen, click the button that says, ‘Apply.’
Follow the prompts to complete your Food Assistance application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes. You can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier.

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
Watch these video tutorials for step-by-step instructions on setting up an account and applying for Food Assistance.
If English is not your primary language, click the four stacked bars in the top left corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu under ‘Language,’ you can choose ‘Español’ or ‘Somali.’

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the Ohio benefits application that you can download and print out at home:

SNAP Application (English)

Once you have completed the SNAP application, you may take, mail, or fax it to your nearest ODJFS county office. Call your local office to ask for their mailing address so that you know where to send your application.

If English is not your primary language, call your county office to request the help of an interpreter. If you have hearing loss and/or low vision, dial 711 to get help completing your form or conducting your Food Assistance interview.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Ohio Food Assistance benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. Households that meet at least one of the following conditions can receive expedited (faster) Food Assistance:

Households with less than $150 in gross monthly income, and who have liquid resources of $100 or less.
Migrant or seasonal farm worker households defined as destitute and who have liquid resources of $100 or less.
Households whose combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than the household's monthly rent or mortgage and utilities (including entitlement to a standard utility allowance, as appropriate).

Need food today? Visit the Ohio Association of Foodbanks to find local resources while you wait for your Food Assistance application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Ohio Food Assistance application.

You can:

Call the DJFS Enterprise Helpdesk toll-free at 1-844-640-OHIO (6446).
Visit the Ohio Association of Foodbanks website for a list of food banks statewide that can help you apply for Food Assistance.
Contact your nearest ODJFS county office.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for Food Assistance in Ohio?

It can take up to 30 days to process your Food Assistance application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will receive a call, followed by a letter in the mail giving you an appointment date and time for your interview. Most interviews happen within 2 weeks of submitting your application and take place over the phone. ODJFS can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you. Your interview may take up to 90 minutes.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from the agency, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my Food Assistance/SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your ODJFS case manager can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your Food Assistance interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for Food Assistance benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for Food Assistance/SNAP?

If you are approved for Ohio Food Assistance, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Ohio, that period is 12 months.

Within 5 to 10 days after you are approved for Food Assistance, you will receive your Ohio Direction EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, you will receive your payments monthly between the 2nd and the 20th, based on the last digit of your case number.

Other important tips to know

What if my Ohio Food Assistance application is denied?

Your Food Assistance decision notice will include instructions for requesting a State Hearing if you do not agree with the decision. You must make this request within 90 days of receiving the decision.

How can I view my Food Assistance benefits information?

You can log in to the Ohio Benefits self-service portal to check the status of your Food Assistance application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my Ohio Direction EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, have your card number ready and call Customer Service at 1-866-386-3071. You can also visit the ConnectEBT website to manage your card. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your Food Assistance benefit amount within 10 days of the change. Your ODJFS case manager will let you know what you need to report and when.

Reportable changes may include:

Change in household size
Change in earned income or employment status
Unearned income of more than $100
Changes in address and/or shelter and utility costs
Child support obligation changes
Substantial lottery or gambling winnings

When should you renew your Food Assistance benefits in Ohio?

Ohio Food Assistance recipients must complete an Interim Report halfway through their certification period to confirm they are still eligible for Food Assistance/SNAP. For example, if your household is certified to receive Food Assistance for 12 months, your Interim Report will be due in the 6th month. A month before it is due, an Interim Report Form will be sent to the mailing address listed on your case.

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