Oct. 9, 2024
Columbus, OH – A pair of significant changes to Ohio’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that went into effect at the beginning of the month will provide more options for working families and job seekers.
As of Oct. 1, the state has adopted a
sliding scale for SNAP that allows residents and families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), which is about $4,304 a month for a family of three, to qualify for the program. SNAP benefit amounts are calculated based on household size and income, and as a resident or family’s income approaches the new 200-percent limit, the amount of benefits they receive will gradually decrease.
“Working families shouldn’t have to choose between accepting a promotion at work and losing SNAP benefits or turning down a better-paying job to keep food on the table,” Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce said. “We commend our state partners for giving working families in Franklin County better tools to navigate the benefits cliff.”
In addition to increasing the SNAP income eligibility threshold, major changes to the SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program went into effect at the beginning of October. SNAP E&T has been redesigned to better meet local employer needs and help more residents access job training and pursue their career goals.
“SNAP is an anti-poverty program, and these rule changes are positive for working families,” Commissioner John O’Grady said. "With the overhaul of SNAP E&T, families can pursue career training and obtain industry-recognized credentials to improve their earning potential without sacrificing food security.”
SNAP recipients who choose to enroll in the program may be eligible to receive training, education classes and certifications at no cost to them. Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services has partnered with the
Godman Guild Association to provide training for Franklin County residents who opt into SNAP E&T.
“Our JFS department and their partners are offering opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents to access free training in phlebotomy and medical coding fields just to name a few” Commissioner Erica Crawley said. “And we’re pursuing relationships with more local employers to increase career paths available to our neighbors on SNAP.”
For more details about SNAP eligibility and SNAP E&T visit
JFS.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/SNAP.
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The Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services provides timely public assistance benefits and builds community partnership through inclusion, responsiveness and innovation. Learn more at https://jfs.franklincountyohio.gov and follow FCDJFS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.