Ohio Food Stamp Restrictions

Determining Eligibility for Food Assistance

• In order to qualify for Food Assistance in Ohio, your household's income before taxes must be equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty limit. What constitutes the poverty limit varies based on the number of people living in your household. If someone in your household is elderly or disabled, the income limits may not apply. If you are under 60 years old and healthy, you may be required to work at least part time in order to receive benefits.
  
  

Amount of Assistance Benefits

• The amount of assistance that you receive is based on the number of people in the house that food must be purchased and prepared for, the amount of income, and expenses such as housing, utilities, medical costs, and child care or child support payments. In some cases, the amount of cash and savings you have available may influence the amount of your monthly benefit. You will be required to provide proof of these expenses and assets when you apply for food assistance, and may be asked to complete an in-person interview before your benefits are established.
  
  

How Food Assistance Benefits Can Be Used

• If you receive food benefit assistance from the state of Ohio, it can be used to purchase most food products for human consumption. You can't use your Food Assistance Benefits to purchase alcohol or cigarettes, pet food, hot food intended to be eaten immediately, or vitamins and medicines. Food Assistance benefits also cannot be used to purchase non-food products such as paper or cleaning products.
  
  

Where You Can Use Food Assistance Benefits

• When you receive Food Assistance benefits in Ohio, you will be provided with an Ohio Direction card, which is similar to a debit card and a PIN number, which can only be used by the person listed on the benefits account. When you make a food purchase, you pay with the card, and the cost of the eligible items is deducted from your benefit account. You may only use the card at retail stores that display the Ohio Direction card sign.
  
  

Legal Considerations

• It is illegal to sell or trade your Food Assistance benefits. Buying food for someone who does not live in your household is also illegal. If your circumstances change, such as when you move, get a new job or become unemployed, or if the size of your household changes, you are required to notify the Department of Job and Family Services.