COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thousands more Ohioans receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will face expanded work requirements starting in 2026 under changes included in federal legislation passed last year.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has confirmed that the new rules, effective Feb. 1, 2026, will require certain SNAP recipients to work, volunteer, or participate in approved training for at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits beyond a limited period.
The changes expand the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements, which previously applied mainly to adults ages 18-54 without young children. Federal law now eliminates several prior exemptions…