According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the state had been providing initial emergency relief earlier this month to help families cover groceries while awaiting federal direction. The updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture now allows states to resume normal distribution schedules.
Officials cited the temporary funding disruptions during the shutdown as the cause of delays, affecting thousands of low-income households who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for essential food support.
Governor Mike DeWine’s administration said they are prioritizing timely issuance and coordination with county agencies to ensure that all eligible households receive their full benefits as soon as possible.
The department urged recipients to monitor their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards and check state communication channels for updates as payment processing begins.