What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a federal program that supplements grocery budgets for qualifying individuals and families. If you qualify for Ohio’s Food Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps, you’ll receive an Ohio Direction Card, which is like a special debit card for buying groceries. You can use this card at approved stores and farm markets to buy the food you need. The program’s goal is to ensure everyone, regardless of their income, can afford nutritious meals.
Who qualifies for SNAP?
Eligibility is based on gross monthly income. Adults and families with gross monthly incomes under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible to receive some sort of SNAP. Monthly benefits are determined by comparing an adult or family’s gross monthly income to their child care expenses, child support payments, and housing/utility costs.
How can you use SNAP?
You can use your benefits by paying with your Ohio Direction Card, which is a card linked to your online benefits account. It is similar to commercial debit and ATM cards.
Your Ohio Direction Card can be used in most grocery and convenience stores in Ohio. You can also use your benefits online when purchasing food from Walmart and Amazon online, and you can pay for your City Fresh share with your SNAP benefits. There are farmer’s markets in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties that accept SNAP, too!
What can you buy with the Ohio Direction card?
Things you CAN buy with SNAP:
- Fresh Produce
- Dairy Products
- Dry Goods
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Frozen Goods
- Meats
- Baby Formula
- Seeds for Growing Edible Plants
- Edible Plants
Things you CANNOT buy with SNAP:
- Prepared Food from Restaurants & Supermarket Delis/Hot Foods Section
- Tobacco Products
- Alcohol
- Pet Food
- Vitamins & Medicine
- Non-Food Items
Documents needed to apply:
- Social Security Number
- Permanent Resident Card if not US Citizen
- Verification of earned and unearned income
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, etc)
- Verification of school attendance
- Proof of childcare/dependent care costs
- Proof of child support paid for any children not living with you
- Proof of any housing or utility costs
- Proof of any medical expenses
- Proof of assets
How to apply:
Apply for SNAP online at https://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/indexOHLanding.jsp
Alternatively, you can turn physical paperwork in to your local county agency. You can find the agency closest to you at https://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS07200
Lorain County: https://www.lcdjfs.com/
Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services
42485 North Ridge Rd
Elyria, OH 44035-1057
Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.– 4:15 p.m.
Phone: (440) 323-5726
Fax: (440) 323-3422
Cuyahoga County: https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/divisions/detail/job-and-family-services
Cuyahoga County Department of Job and Family Services
Virgil E. Brown Building
1641 Payne Ave., Ste. 520
Cleveland, OH 44114
Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (216) 987-6640
Fax: (216) 987-8183
Cuyahoga County Department of Job and Family Services
Jane Edna Hunter Building
3955 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (216) 881-5554
Fax: (216) 432-3379