SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) raises nutritional levels, expands buying power, and safeguards the health and well-being of individuals in low-income households. A household may be an individual or a group of individuals who live together and usually purchase, prepare, and eat their food together. SNAP (formerly known as food assistance or food stamps) benefits are available through a specialized debit card called an EBT card or the "Ohio Direction Card".

You may qualify for benefits if your household's gross monthly income is at or under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Extended eligibility

Some households with incomes over the standard monthly limit may still qualify if someone in the household is elderly or disabled or if they meet broad-based categorical eligibility of up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Click below to learn if you may quality. 

View broad-based categorical eligibility

View SNAP eligibility requirements

The amount of SNAP benefits you will receive is based on your household size, income and expenses.

As long as your income falls within the guidelines and you abide by the rules and regulations of the food assistance program. Complete a redetermination process when you are required.

Expedited services are available for households with no income and who meet the expedited guideline within 24 - 72 hours.

Once all verifications are received, it can take up to 30 days for assistance to be determined. When approved, it may take between 5 - 10 days for your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to arrive in the mail.

Individual’s ages 18 - 54 year of age without children applying for SNAP benefits are considered Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) and must fulfill work requirements to get their benefits.

If an ABAWD is not deemed exempt, they are required to participate in a monthly Job Search work activity, a Work Experience Program  (WEP) or an educational/occupational training activity.

The ConnectEBT app is the official mobile app for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the only app developed and supported by the state's EBT vendor. You can use the ConnectEBT app to view your balance, check your purchase history, change your pin, report a lost or stolen card and much more.

Learn more about the app

Download the app for iOS Download the app for Android

Ohioans who are eligible for SNAP can now use their Ohio Direction cards to purchase food online through Walmart, Amazon, Giant Eagle, and select Kroger stores. You can purchase online and select curbside pickup or delivery. (NOTE: Individuals may choose to have groceries delivered, but federal rules still prohibit using SNAP benefits to pay for any delivery charges.)

Amazon

• Register your EBT card with Amazon & follow the instructions

Register on Amazon

Walmart — All Ohio locations

• Order online at Walmart's website or by mobile app  
• Add your EBT card to your account
• When you're on the Select Payment Method screen, select your EBT Card

Walmart's Website

Walmart App for iOS

Walmart App for Android

Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to add your EBT card or to place an order using your EBT card

Giant Eagle — All Ohio locations

• Must have a curbside order that exceeds $35
• Call your local Giant Eagle location regarding EBT Card payment

Kroger — Select Ohio locations

• Order online at Kroger's website or by mobile app. 
• Select “SNAP EBT at Pickup” as payment option
• Pay using EBT Card at pickup

View Ohio Locations(PDF, 53KB)

Kroger's Website

Kroger App for iOS

Kroger App for Android

Household items, magazines, newspapers, tobacco products, medicine, paper goods, vitamins, or alcoholic drinks may not be purchased with food assistance card.

Read the EBT FAQ document(PDF, 224KB).

The State of Ohio requires all active SNAP recipients to complete an Interim Report halfway through their certification period to confirm they are still eligible for SNAP. For example, if your Assistance Group or household is certified to receive SNAP for 12 months, your Interim Report will be due in the 6th month. If you are certified for 24 months, your Interim Report will be due the 12th month.

Interim Reports are mandatory, and failure to complete your report or return it timely can result in termination of SNAP benefits for the entire household or Assistance Group.

See Interim Reporting requirements and directions(PDF, 226KB)

Each customer will receive an appointment letter to call in to the agency for an interview to re-determine eligibility for Food Assistance. The appointment letter will state a day and time for you to call the agency to complete your interview.

Our interview phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please be sure to check your appointment letter, and call us at your scheduled interview time. Failing to conduct this interview may result in the delay or termination of your benefits.

• The interview hotline 1-844-640-6446 should only be used to complete your interview or to reschedule your interview.

For other inquiries, please contact our call center at 614-233-2000.

The Recertification Pre-Interview Questionnaire is a form which allows you to answer questions and submit your documents before your Recertification Interview. Completing this paperwork ahead of your Recertification Interview can help reduce the amount of time you spend on the phone, which makes your interview faster and easier. 

The Recertification Pre-Interview Questionnaire is available to all residents with or without a Self-Service Portal account who have opted-in to receive Ohio Benefits text messages. 

Click here to view a helpful video