What You Need To Know
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal benefit program known as Ohio Food Assistance Program in Ohio. Its objective is to improve the health of Ohio residents through nutritional education and other similar factors. The program provides qualified individuals with benefits that help them in the protection of their health. It eliminates the hurdles that may take place due to the low income of these people. The program hopes to provide to any household, whether there is one individual in it or many. Either way, it is for the people who purchase, prepare and eat their food together.
The administration of this program has been done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It is monitored with the help of the Office of Families and Children. Through the use of financial aid, the food assistance program is able to provide help to thousands of people. Ohio’s low-income families take great help from the cash assistance provided. They don’t have to worry about food purchases and can instead pay off their utilities.
This financial aid is provided to people through the help of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It is like a credit card in nature but solely for food purchases. It can be used to buy food from approved and authorized retailed. EBT provides the families to easily access their benefits whilst also remaining secure.
The amount given to each family may differ. This is because the amount provided is dependent on various factors including the individual’s income. Emergency SNAP benefits have also been set up for certain families. These households usually have no income and resources below the amount of $100. Applying for these benefits will lead to benefit collection within 24 hours.
Are You Eligible?
There is an eligibility criterion established to help out the most deserving people. The applicant must be a resident of the state of Ohio. Along with this, they must also meet one of the following aspects where they have:
- A current bank balance under $2,001. This includes both the savings and checking.
- A current bank balance under $3,001 and share the house with either
- A person aged 60 or above
- A person with a disability.
The annual household income is also taken into consideration. The amount before tax deductions is expected to be either less than or equal to the following figures:
| Size Of Household | Maximum Annual Income Level ($) |
| 1 | 16,237 |
| 2 | 21,983 |
| 3 | 27,729 |
| 4 | 33,475 |
| 5 | 39,221 |
| 6 | 44,967 |
| 7 | 50,713 |
| 8 | 56,459 |
It is possible that a household may have more than eight people. In that situation, an additional $5,746 is added per person. To ensure that you are up-to-date with the most recent and accurate guidelines, the managing agency must be contacted.
Qualification is also dependent upon cooperation with child support and employment. This helps the program to make sure that the financial aid goes out to help the most worthy. Once the initial requirements are met, an interview is set up which determines eligibility.
A pre-screening tool is also available to check eligibility. It can be found on the website of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition’s Service (FNS). It is not the final application, but simply a method to check the potential of receiving benefits.
There is certain information required that is taken into account, even for the pre-screening tool. This includes the following:
- Daycare expenses
- Rent or mortgage
- Utility bill
- Child Support
- Financial Resources and assets
- Earned Income
How To Apply
There are different ways of applying for this program. The variety allows a greater amount of people to apply for it. This is because they can simply choose the option they are most comfortable with to pursue it.
An online website is available for the application process. This makes the whole procedure easier for those who wish to apply from the comfort of their home. A local SNAP Administering Agency is present in counties to help with the application process. The directions to the local agency can be found through online resources. Lastly, there is also a hotline available which can be used for the same purposes.
For Further Information
In case of queries or confusion, online websites have been set up. They offer the information we require to make a decision. The Ohio Food Assistance information can be found on the Ohio Office of Family Assistance.
You can also have direct contact with a representative through telephone. The number available allows you to get in touch with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. They will guide you regarding the program, clarifying any information you are uncertain about.
614-466-6282