The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced Monday that it will begin distributing partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this week — as early as Wednesday — following new federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
The decision comes after FNS updated its guidance over the weekend in response to federal court action. The new rules direct ODJFS to reduce the maximum amount each household can receive in November by 35% and to recalculate payments based on that reduced maximum.
The amount each household receives will depend on factors such as income and allowable deductions, including housing and medical costs. According to ODJFS, most recipients will receive less than 65% of their normal benefit, and some households — particularly those near the eligibility cutoff — may receive no benefits this week under the revised formula.
Official notices will be sent to each household explaining specific changes to their benefits. Once the federal government shutdown ends, additional federal guidance will be needed to determine how to handle the difference between the reduced benefits and the usual monthly allotments.
Prior to the shutdown, about 1.4 million Ohioans received approximately $264 million in SNAP benefits each month, distributed on a staggered schedule through the 20th of each month. Those who have not yet received their November benefits — as well as individuals approved but unpaid for October — will begin receiving partial November payments this week. Households with regular issuance dates later in the month will still receive their reduced benefits as scheduled.
Recipients can access their benefits through the Ohio Direction (EBT) card and are encouraged to check balances via the Connect EBT app or the Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal.
Last week, Gov. Mike DeWine ordered ODJFS to provide $7 million to eight regional foodbanks and distribute up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans — including over 57,000 children — living at or below 50% of the federal poverty level. Those funds supplement Ohio Works First (OWF) participants with an additional benefit equal to one-quarter of their monthly OWF allotment per week while SNAP funds are delayed.
ODJFS distributed $3.7 million in emergency relief last week and will continue evaluating the need for enhanced assistance weekly.
For updates on the impact of the federal shutdown on ODJFS programs, visit jfs.ohio.gov.
