The change comes as the ODJFS received new federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) following the ongoing government shutdown, which is now the longest in U.S. history.
Recalculation and Timeline Unknown
The federal guidance directs state agencies to reduce maximum benefit allotments by half and requires ODJFS to recalculate the monthly benefit amount for each eligible household.
“ODJFS is working with its vendors to determine updated benefit amounts for current SNAP recipients and when benefits will be available,” the department stated in a release.
Crucially, a definitive timeline for distribution is not yet available. The state will notify the approximately 1.4 million affected Ohioans once the review is complete and the recalculated amounts and distribution dates are finalized. The distribution of November benefits had been initially suspended on November 1 due to the federal funding lapse.
State and Local Efforts to Bridge the Gap
In anticipation of the federal cuts, Ohio leaders have taken steps to provide stopgap relief:
* Emergency State Funding: Governor Mike DeWine authorized a plan to provide up to $25 million in food assistance. This includes $7 million allocated to the state’s eight Regional Foodbanks.
* OWF Relief: An additional $18 million in emergency relief is being distributed to more than 63,000 recipients of the state-funded Ohio Works First (OWF) program, which provides cash assistance.
* Local Action: In response to the crisis, local governments, such as the City of Columbus, have launched community-wide response plans, including food drives and pop-up distribution centers, to support families facing a sudden and severe cut to their food budget.
SNAP recipients are being advised that while their November benefit allotment is reduced, they can still use any benefits that were loaded onto their Ohio Direction (EBT) card from prior months.
The state emphasized that recipients must continue to meet all program requirements in November to remain eligible for any retroactive benefits that may be issued if the federal government fully reopens.