The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and local county Job and Family Services offices are advising SNAP recipients that their November benefits may not be deposited on their EBT cards as scheduled. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which funds the program, has confirmed to states that without a resolution to the ongoing shutdown, it will not have sufficient funds to pay out November benefits.
Impact on Ohio Families
* 1.4 Million People Affected: Approximately 1.4 million Ohioans, including families with children, seniors, and disabled individuals, rely on SNAP to buy groceries.
* $263 Million at Stake: Ohio typically distributes around $263 million in SNAP benefits each month, a sum that supports food security and the state’s economy.
* No New Funds: The USDA has informed states that the federal system will not be able to process and upload new benefit payments starting November 1st.
What Recipients Need to Know
While the issuance of new November benefits is on hold, recipients do have access to a crucial lifeline:
* Existing Balances Remain: Any existing balance remaining on a recipient’s EBT card from previous months will still be available for use. This money is safe and can be accessed even during the shutdown.
* Reimbursement Expected: Federal guidance from past shutdowns indicates that any missed SNAP deposits will be reimbursed and paid to recipients once the government reopens and funding is restored.
* Staggered Distribution: Ohio uses a staggered system, meaning benefits are issued throughout the month, not just on the 1st. However, under the current federal guidance, new funds will eventually stop for all recipients as their respective deposit dates arrive in November.
State and Local Efforts
The potential loss of food assistance has prompted calls for a state-level response.
* Rainy Day Fund Bill: State Rep. Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus) introduced House Bill 502, which would temporarily redirect a portion of the state’s “rainy day” reserve fund to cover payments for SNAP and other crucial assistance programs if the federal shutdown persists.
* Food Banks Brace for Impact: Local food banks and pantries across Ohio are preparing for a massive increase in demand as families look for alternative ways to feed themselves. Directors of county JFS offices are growing increasingly concerned about the significant hardship a prolonged cutoff would cause.
Recipients are encouraged to monitor the ODJFS website and contact their local county Job and Family Services office for the most current updates.