Food Assistance

FOOD ASSISTANCE

The Food Assistance Program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income Ohioans by providing benefits to purchasing food to stretch their food budget and to buy healthy food. Food Assistance is another support that assists Clinton County Families towards financial stability.

HOW DO I QUALIFY?

You may qualify for benefits if your household's gross monthly income is at or under 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines change yearly; you can find the current figures at Federal Poverty Guidelines. Some families may qualify if they have incomes over the limit if someone in the household is elderly or disabled.

To learn more about the Fresh EBT program in Ohio CLICK HERE: FRESH EBT/OHIO

SNAP EMPLOYENT AND TRAINING (E&T) PROGRAM

The SNAP E&T program help SNAP participants gain skills, training and/or work experience to increase their ability to obtain regular employment and become self-sufficient. Through SANP E&T, SNAP participants have access to training and support services to help them enter or move up in the workforce. This program also helps reduce barriers to work by providing support services such as transportation and child care, as long as participants prepare for and obtain employment. 

WORK REQUIREMENT

If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) Joining SNAP E&T may be a way to help meet your ABAWD work requirement. An ABAWD participant must work at least 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month to meet the ABAWD work requirement. There are multiple ways to meet the work requirement of 2 hours per week. 

• Engage in work (for pay, for goods and services, unpaid, or as a volunteer).
• Participate in a work program.
  • Work programs include participation in a Title 1 WIOA funded program, a Trade Act program, an employment and training program for veterans operated by the US Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs, or participating in SNAP E&T.
• Or participate in a combination of work and a work program

If you choose to do unpaid work, you will need to verify via a form. A verification form will be mailed to you with an explanation of your work requirements. 

If you would like to participate in SNAP E&T, you can be referred for a comprehensive assessment to determine activities that will help you achieve your employment goals.

HOW DO I APPLY?

There are many ways to apply for SNAP benefits. You may apply online at Benefits.Ohio.Gov,  calling 1-866-635-3748 (follow the prompts for food assistance) or by filling out the Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance form (JFS 7200) and submitting it to your Clinton County Job and Family Services, Family Support Unit. Applications are accepted in-person during normal business hours Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Applications may also be submitted by mail, email or at the drop box located outside of the Job and Family Services Building. 

You will need the following:

• Social Security number for proof that you have applied for one
• Income (pay stubs, tax records, or child support notices)
• Identity (driver's license or state ID)
• Housing and utility costs
• Any child care or dependent care costs
• Any child support you pay for children not living with you
• Any medical expenses (including prescriptions) for those with disabilities or for those over the age of 60

The Agency may verify the information that you have provided by contacting other agencies or people. You may also be asked to provide additional documents.

FOOD ASSISTANCE BENEFITS

Benefit amounts are determined based on household size, expenses, and in some situations, resources. If you qualify your monthly benefits will be loaded onto your Ohio Direction Card on a regular assigned date sometime between the first and 20th of the month.

FNS Nondiscrimination Statement

ln accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English’ To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250 -9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.sov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.