Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Program is designed to help low-income individuals buy the food they need for good nutrition.  Food stamp benefits are issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through county job and family services departments and are used to purchase specific staples and grocery items at participating grocery stores.  Food stamp benefits are dispersed through the Electronic Benefits Transfer system.  At the grocery store check-out counter, the amount purchased is deducted electronically via a plastic card from the individual’s or family’s total monthly allotment of food stamp benefits.  Eligibility, determined by the county department of job and family services, is based on federal guidelines including income, resources and household size.  Over one million Ohioans receive food stamps each month.

Who can get food stamp benefits?

A person may qualify for benefits if the household’s gross monthly income is within 130% of the federal poverty guidelines and within 100% of the poverty level after all allowable expenses, and if the person’s resources such as cash, savings, stocks, and etc., do not exceed $2000 ($3000 if a person is at least 60 years old or disabled).  The 130% income test and the resource limit does not apply if each person in the household assistance group receives income from any of the following programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Ohio Works First (OWF), Ohio’s Disability Financial Assistance (DFA) or Ohio’s Medical Assistance (DMA) Program.  Resources of an SSI or OWF household member are excluded.

What can be bought with food stamp benefits?

Food stamp benefits can be used to buy most food or food products intended for human consumption.  Items which may not be purchased with food stamps include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot food and hot food products that are prepared to be eaten immediately.  Individuals who receive food stamp benefits may not sell or trade food stamp benefits, buy nonfood items, or use food stamp benefits to buy food for someone who is not a member of the household.

This is only basic information.  An accurate determination of eligibility for food stamps requires an application be filed and an interview be conducted regarding each household’s specific situation.  Contact the Lawrence County DJFS for more information or to schedule an appointment.