Need Help Paying for Groceries?

You may be eligible for food assistance through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). SNAP helps eligible Ohioans stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food. 

Check your SNAP eligibility online.

To find out how to apply, or for other questions about your SNAP eligibility, contact your local SNAP office or fill out the SNAP Benefits Information Form and we can assist you.

Applicants can

To find out how to apply, or for other questions about your SNAP eligibility, contact your local SNAP office or fill out the SNAP Benefits Information Form and we can assist you.

Applicants can apply online here

This information will be needed at the time of application:

  • Financial aid award letter or Student Aid Report (from FAFSA) if you are a student
  • Social Security number
  • Date of birth
  • Household income
  • Cost of your rent or mortgage, utilities, property taxes
  • Cost of day care for a child or other dependent, if applicable

A copy of these documents will need to be submitted within 30 days of applying:

  • ID
  • Pay stubs for the last 30 days
  • Lease and utility bills
  • School schedule
  • Financial Aid award letter
  • Are 17 years old or younger, or 50 years old or older;
  • Are physically or mentally unfit (have a disability);
  • Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits;
  • Are enrolled in a TANF Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program;
  • Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment;
  • Participate in a state or federally financed work study program;
  • Participate in an on-the-job training program;
  • Care for a child under the age of 6;
  • Care for a child age 6 to 11 and do not have adequate child care enabling you to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study;
  • Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12; or
  • Are assigned to or placed in a college or other institution of higher education through:
    • A program under WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014);
    • A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Adjustment Assistance Program);
    • An employment and training program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (SNAP E&T); or
    • An employment and training program for low-income households operated by a state or local government, so long as the program has at least one component that is equivalent to a component under SNAP E&T.

Food assistance benefits are distributed electronically through the Ohio Direction Card, which is similar to a debit card. Benefits can be used to buy most food products. SNAP cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, medicine, hot food products that are made to be eaten immediately (including prepared food from grocery stores and restaurants), and non-food items.

Who can I contact for more information?

The Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) can help prescreen you for eligibility and any questions or concerns you may have. Contact the ARC at (440) 366-4272.

Please fill out the SNAP Benefits Information Form if you are interested in scheduling an appointment to apply for SNAP benefits and for more information about SNAP.