If you receive SNAP benefits (food stamps), your monthly benefit has dropped significantly, starting this month. The Emergency Allotment that went in place during March 2020 because of the pandemic ended in Ohio and other states at the end of February. SNAP household benefits have returned to their normal amounts. For many, that’s not enough.
For some older adults, the impact could be severe. A cost-of-living increase to Social Security benefits went into effect on Jan. 1. SNAP benefits are based on income. An increase in income could bounce recipients out of the program.
For months, Ohio Job and Family Services, food banks and other agencies have been notifying recipients of the reduction. But with food prices still high, the reduction will hit especially hard. How hard? The SNAP benefit for a person entitled to the minimum allotment of $23 a month has been getting an extra $258 a month, for a total of $281. A household with three people entitled to $180 a month has been getting an extra $560 a month, or $740 total.
The normal allotments were deposited into recipients’ accounts in the first half of the month. The extra money was deposited at the end of the month. Now SNAP recipients will just get the first deposit.
SNAP recipients who have questions can call a Job and Family Services office or the Ohio Direction Card Customer Service Center at 1-866-386-3071, or visit the Self-Service Portal. Many food banks, including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, have staff members who can answer questions about SNAP benefits. The helpline number is 216-738-2067.
