Will Ohio Get Extra Food Stamps This Month 2024? Understanding Your Benefits

Hey everyone! There’s a lot of talk and questions out there about whether families in Ohio will be receiving extra food stamps this month in 2024. Many people are still trying to figure out what’s happening with their food assistance benefits, especially after some big changes in the past couple of years. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about the current situation for Ohio SNAP recipients and address the big question: will Ohio get extra food stamps this month 2024?

The Straight Answer: Are Extra Benefits Still Happening?

Let’s get right to the most important question: will Ohio get extra food stamps this month in 2024? The short answer is no, Ohio families will generally not receive “extra” or “emergency” food stamp benefits this month in 2024. The special extra payments, known as Emergency Allotments, ended for Ohio and all other states in early 2023.

Understanding “Emergency Allotments” (The Extra Help)

For a few years, many families receiving food stamps got a little extra money each month. These extra payments were called “Emergency Allotments” (EAs), and they were started because of the COVID-19 public health emergency. They were meant to help families deal with the tough times and higher costs during the pandemic.

These extra benefits meant that everyone eligible for SNAP received at least the maximum benefit for their household size, or an extra $95 if they were already getting the maximum. It was a big help for many families to make sure they had enough food on the table when things were uncertain.

The EAs were a federal program, meaning the rules came from the U.S. government, not just Ohio. All states were given the option to provide these extra funds. Ohio chose to participate to support its residents through a difficult period.

It’s important to remember that these payments were always temporary. They were tied to the official public health emergency declaration, which meant they would stop once that emergency ended. This is why understanding their temporary nature is key to why they aren’t around anymore.

• Started during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Provided extra money to most SNAP recipients
• Helped families buy more food during tough economic times
• Was always designed to be a temporary program

When Did Ohio’s Extra Food Stamp Payments End?

Ohio’s Emergency Allotment payments officially came to an end in February 2023. This meant that the last batch of extra benefits was distributed to families in February, covering the benefits for that month. After that, benefits returned to their normal, pre-pandemic amounts.

This change impacted hundreds of thousands of Ohio households. Suddenly, many families saw their monthly food stamp benefits go down by $95 or more. It was a big adjustment for people who had grown used to the extra help.

The state of Ohio, through the Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), tried to let people know about the upcoming change. They sent out notices and shared information through various channels to prepare families for the reduction in benefits.

For many, the end of these extra payments meant having to rethink their household budgets. It became even more important to look for other ways to save money on groceries or find additional support from community programs.

Why the Extra Benefits Stopped for Good

The main reason the extra food stamp benefits stopped across the country, including in Ohio, is because the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 officially ended. These Emergency Allotments were specifically authorized under laws passed during the PHE.

Once the PHE was set to expire, a new federal law, called the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, was passed. This law actually sped up the end of the Emergency Allotments for all states, making sure they would stop by February 2023, regardless of when the PHE itself officially ended a few months later.

So, it wasn’t a decision made by Ohio specifically to cut benefits. It was a nationwide change driven by federal legislation and the winding down of pandemic-era emergency programs. All 50 states and the District of Columbia stopped issuing these extra benefits around the same time.

This transition was a big shift from emergency support back to the standard SNAP program rules. It meant the government was moving away from widespread emergency aid and back to the regular system designed to help those with the lowest incomes based on normal eligibility requirements.

1. Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 was ending.
2. A new federal law (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023) required EAs to end.
3. All states, including Ohio, had to stop issuing the extra benefits by February 2023.
4. The goal was to transition back to the standard SNAP program rules.

Who Might Still See a Change in Their SNAP Amount?

Even though the “extra” emergency benefits are gone, it doesn’t mean your regular SNAP amount can’t change. Your benefit amount is always based on your current household situation, and these situations can change often. So, if you see a different amount, it’s likely for a regular reason, not a special “extra” payment.

For example, if someone new moves into your household, or if a household member has a baby, your benefits might go up because you have more people to feed. This is part of the normal SNAP calculation.

Also, if your income goes down, or if you have new allowable expenses like medical costs or child care, your benefits could increase. This is because SNAP looks at your “net” income after certain deductions, so a lower net income can mean more help.

The only time you might see a “minimum” increase is if your calculated benefit is very low. Federal rules ensure that most households receive a certain minimum amount of SNAP benefits, currently around $23 a month for a one-person household, even if their income is slightly higher. This is part of the standard program rules, not an emergency extra.

• Your household size changes (more or fewer people).
• Your household income goes up or down.
• You have new allowable expenses (like rent, utilities, childcare).
• You become newly eligible for the program.

How Regular Food Stamp Amounts Are Calculated Now

Now that the Emergency Allotments are gone, your SNAP benefits are calculated based on a few key things about your household. It’s not a one-size-fits-all amount; it’s tailored to your specific situation to ensure help goes where it’s needed most.

The main things considered are your household size, your income, and certain expenses you have. The state looks at your gross income (all money coming in) and then allows for some deductions to figure out your net income. The lower your net income, the more food stamps you’ll likely receive.

There are rules about how much income you can have to qualify, and these can vary slightly based on your household size. Generally, your gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, and your net income must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.

Different types of expenses can be deducted from your income before your benefit amount is calculated. This helps lower your countable income, which can increase your benefits. Knowing about these can be really helpful.

Finding Help: Resources for Ohio Families

If you or your family are finding it tough to buy enough food without the extra SNAP benefits, there are still many places in Ohio where you can get help. You don’t have to go through this alone, and knowing where to look is the first step.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is always your primary resource for SNAP benefits. You can visit their website or contact your local county Job and Family Services office. They can help you with your application, answer questions about your benefits, and tell you if you might qualify for other programs.

Beyond state programs, there’s a huge network of food banks and pantries all across Ohio. These organizations collect and distribute food to people in need, often without any cost. Many local churches, community centers, and non-profits run these pantries.

There are also other assistance programs that might be able to help with different parts of your budget. These could include utility assistance, housing help, or programs for families with children. Sometimes, your local JFS office can point you to these too.

1. Contact your local county Job and Family Services (JFS) office.
2. Visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) website for information.
3. Search for local food banks and pantries in your area (websites like Feeding America can help).
4. Look into other community assistance programs (e.g., utility help, housing aid).

What to Do if You’re Struggling to Buy Food

It’s completely normal to feel stressed if you’re worried about feeding your family. The important thing is to take action and explore all your options. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help; that’s what these programs and resources are there for.

First, double-check your SNAP benefits. Make sure your local JFS office has your most up-to-date information, especially if your income or household size has changed. Sometimes updating your info can lead to a slight increase in regular benefits.

Next, make a budget if you don’t have one. Knowing exactly where your money is going can help you find areas to save, even small amounts. Every little bit counts when you’re trying to stretch your food budget further.

Explore other government programs. Besides SNAP, there’s WIC (for women, infants, and children), school meal programs, and sometimes even local initiatives that can provide grocery store gift cards or meal kits. These programs can complement your SNAP benefits.

Finally, connect with your community. Neighbors helping neighbors is a powerful thing. Local community centers, churches, and non-profit organizations often have hidden resources or know about specific programs in your town that might not be widely advertised. A phone call can sometimes open up new possibilities.

• Review and update your SNAP case information with ODJFS.
• Create or adjust your household budget to manage expenses.
• Look into other nutrition programs like WIC or school meals.
• Visit or contact local food banks and pantries.
• Reach out to community organizations for additional support.

So, to wrap things up, while the special “extra” food stamps are no longer available in Ohio for 2024, the regular SNAP program is still here to help eligible families put food on the table. It’s super important to stay informed about your benefits and to reach out if you need help. There are many organizations and state programs ready to support you. Keep checking official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.