Posted January 10, 202312:00 pm
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Service (ODJFS) has announced that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments many households have received since March 2020 will end with the last issuance in February 2023.
The emergency allotments were a response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and meant that all SNAP households received the maximum SNAP benefits each month.
The federal government has now ended the SNAP emergency allotments. Beginning March 2023, all SNAP households will only receive their standard SNAP benefits. This may mean some households, particularly seniors, will see a significant decrease in these vital benefits.
To minimize the impact of the decreased benefits, SNAP households should make sure their county JFS is aware of:
- Monthly recurring medical costs over $35.00 per month (for households with anyone over 60 or receiving disability benefits),
- Monthly adult or childcare costs such as babysitter, transportation, or day care costs (for SNAP households with anyone working, looking for work, or in school),
- Any increase in your rent or mortgage costs.
ODJFS will be notifying SNAP households by letter, phone calls and text. For more information, visit Ohio Benefits.
For additional food resources, Cuyahoga County residents are encouraged to call the United Way Help Center at 2-1-1. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank also has a helpful "Find Food Near Me" tool available online.
