CLEVELAND — Big changes are coming to how Ohio and other states dole out benefits for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as new work requirements for previously exempt groups are set to take effect Feb. 1.
Originally, most adults between the ages of 18 and 54 who did not have any minor children were required to work at least 80 hours per month “or pursuing certain educational or training opportunities” in order to receive food stamp benefits if they met monthly income conditions (130% of or below the federal poverty level). Following Congress’ passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last July, even stricter guidelines are coming — guidelines that could impact thousands in Northeast Ohio alone.
Under the new laws:
- SNAP recipients between ages 55 and 64 will now be required to work, unless otherwise excused.
- Parents whose children are all 14 or older must also meet the new work rules.
- Exemptions for able-bodied veterans, homeless individuals, and those transitioning out of the foster care system have been eliminated.
Additionally, those who were previously covered under the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion must now meet the work requirements, and certain groups of migrants who are in the U.S. legally will be ineligible altogether. Cohorts who qualify include:
- U.S. citizens.
- U.S. nationals.
- Green card holders (after five years).
- Granted Cuban and Haitian entrants.
- Compacts of Free Association – Federated states of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is encouraging people to utilize its SNAP Employment and Training Program in order to help retain their benefits, and adds that employment opportunities can be found at OhioMeansJobs.gov…