Ohio SNAP
Last updated: October 15, 2026
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income Ohio households buy groceries each month. In Ohio, SNAP (also called food assistance) is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) through county agencies. Benefits are delivered on the Ohio Direction Card.
What is SNAP?
SNAP provides monthly food benefits loaded onto a Ohio Direction Card, which works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP, and for approved online grocery orders. Benefits can be used for foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, and bread and cereal. They cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicines, or non-food items.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and resources. Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited income may qualify. Most adults ages 16 to 59 must follow SNAP work rules. Households where everyone is age 60 or older, or has a disability, may qualify under simplified rules.
Ohio SNAP income limits and maximum benefits (Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027)
These are the SNAP figures in effect from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, from USDA’s fiscal year 2027 cost-of-living adjustments and SNAP eligibility page. Ohio uses broad-based categorical eligibility. Under Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:4-2-02, in effect since Oct. 1, 2024, households with gross income at or below 200% of poverty can be categorically eligible, which waives the federal 130% gross limit, so the table shows 200%. USDA’s June 2026 chart of BBCE states lists Ohio at 130%. ODJFS’s 2026 annual report gives the same 200% limit for qualifying and for staying in the program, with benefits shrinking as income rises (ODJFS, 2024). You may qualify even if your income is close to these amounts; the state agency decides when you apply.
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit (200% of poverty) | Net monthly income limit (100% of poverty) | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $3,607 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $6,447 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $9,287 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person (households of 9 to 17) | +$947 | +$474 | +$225 |
| 18 or more people | +$947 for each person over 8 | +$474 for each person over 8 | $3,887 |
Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability do not have to meet the gross limit, but must meet the net limit (USDA). Net income is income after allowed deductions, such as 20% of earnings and a standard deduction ($217 for households of 1 to 3 in the 48 states and D.C.). The maximum benefit is for a household with no countable income; most households get less.
How we figured the gross limits: we take the HHS 2026 poverty guideline ($15,960 a year for one person), multiply by the percentage, divide by 12 and round up to the next dollar, the same rounding USDA uses for its own SNAP tables. Ohio’s own published table may differ by a dollar or two. The net limits and maximum benefits are USDA’s published figures.
Soda, candy and other restricted items
Starting April 1, 2027 (the date USDA lists), a USDA-approved waiver restricts buying sugar-sweetened beverages and all fountain drinks with SNAP benefits in Ohio. USDA moved the start from November 1, 2026 in its October 13, 2026 update. The exact list of items: Ohio resources for SNAP retailers.
These waivers change which items the EBT card can buy, not who may qualify or the benefit amount. See every state's restriction and start date. Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page updated October 13, 2026).
How to apply
You can apply for SNAP in several ways. After applying, you will complete an interview and provide documents to verify income and household details.
Apply online
Create an account and apply at Ohio Benefits (benefits.ohio.gov), where you can also check your case and upload documents.
Apply by phone
Call 1-866-635-3748 for help applying and to request free language assistance.
Apply by mail or in person
You can also submit an application by mail or at a local county department of job and family services.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program source: Ohio JFS — Food Assistance. Income limits and benefit amounts can change; always confirm current figures with ODJFS or your county agency.
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