SNAP work requirements in Ohio are confusing. There are three categories of “work requirements” – work registration, work requirements applicable only to those who are ABAWDs or “able-bodied adult with dependents,” and Ohio’s mandatory employment & training (or E&T program). Each type of work requirement applies to a slightly different group of people with different exemptions.
The general work requirement for SNAP benefits is a federal requirement and applies to SNAP recipients aged 16-59. Those falling in this category are called “work registrants” and must register for work, participate in a training program, take a suitable job if offered, and not voluntarily quit or reduce hours below 30 hours per week without good reason. You are not required to register for work or participate in a training program if you are:
- A parent or other member of the household caring for a dependent child under six years old or caring for a disabled person;
- Permanently or temporarily physically or mentally unfit to work;
- Receive unemployment benefits;
- Studying in school or a training program at least half-time (but college students are subject to other eligibility rules);
- Participating regularly in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program; or
- Already working 30+ hours a week (or earning wages at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours).
If you do not meet one of the above exceptions, you must comply with the other federal SNAP work requirement, called the “ABAWD” work requirement or time limit. Under the ABAWD requirement, those between 18 and 52 must participate in a Work Experience Program (WEP) or complete 80 hours/month of allowable work and training activities. If you do not comply with the work requirement, you are limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period. This ABAWD age requirement will increase in October 2024 to those under 54 years of age. The ABAWD requirement does not apply to individuals who are:
- Experiencing homelessness;
- A veteran (no matter what the status of military discharge);
- Age 24 or younger and in foster care on 18th birthday;
- Pregnant; or
- Living in a SNAP household with a person under 18.
Ohio is one of a few states which requires ABAWDs to participate in mandatory “Employment & Training” (E&T). If you do not meet any of the exemptions listed above, you will be required to participate in a JFS SNAP E&T program, including an initial “appraisal” process. Missing an appraisal appointment or an E&T work assignment without good cause could cause you to be sanctioned and not receive your SNAP benefits. The only exemption from the Mandatory E&T program is for individuals who are victims of domestic violence.
To find out what work requirements may apply to you or if you qualify for an exemption, see Ohio Legal Help’s SNAP work requirement screening tool at https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/letters-forms/snap-work-requirements-screening-tool. If you believe you should be exempt from any of the SNAP work requirements, provide proof of your exemption to your County Department of Job and Family Services immediately. Keep a copy of the proof you provide and write the date you give it to Job and Family Services. If you are denied an exemption or you are told your SNAP benefits will stop or you will not be approved for SNAP benefits, Legal Aid may be able to help you. Call Legal Aid intake at 1-888-817-3777.
This information was updated in April 2024.