The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. SNAP is America’s largest domestic hunger safety net program. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works with state agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decision about applying for the program and can access benefits. FNS also works with state partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.
SNAP benefits are available based on eligibility guidelines for people with children and people who are elderly or have disabilities.
Benefits are also available to able-bodies adults (ages 18-50) who have no children. However, these individuals may be required to work at least 20 hours a week or participate in a mandatory work activity program and meet other work requirements in order to receive food stamp benefits. If adults without dependent children do not meet work requirements, they’re limited to three months of benefits in any 36 month period. These requirements may vary county to county within the state of Ohio.
These eligibility requirements and benefits could change upon passage of new federal funding decisions.
In the state of Ohio, the SNAP Program is called Food Assistance. The benefits are distributed on an EBT Card, called the Ohio Direction Card.