Food Assistance

The Food Assistance Program-formerly called food stamps and known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income Ohioans stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food. Food assistance benefits are distributed electronically through the Ohio Directions Card, which is similar to a debit card. 

Do I qualify for food assistance benefits?

You may qualify for benefits if your household's gross monthly income is at or under 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines change yearly; you can find the current figures at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.cfm. Some households may qualify if they have incomes over the limit if someone in the household is elderly or disabled. 

Cash Assistance

This program helps meet the needs of children and their parents or caretakers through cash assistance. You may qualify for this benefit if you are a relative, have legal custody of a minor child living with you, or are in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. 

Please note: There may be a requirement to cooperate with CSEA to establish paternity and a child support order for that child(ren).