Community Updates & Information
Ohio SNAP Changes
October 28, 2025 ┃By: LASCO's Public Benefits team
SNAP Recipients Face Delays and Critical Changes
Federal Government Shutdown Could Delay or Stop SNAP for November
As of October 29, the federal government remains shut down. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has been told by the federal government that it cannot pay out SNAP for the month of November if the government remains shutdown. ODJFS is already warning SNAP recipients that they may not get their November SNAP benefits on time.
If the federal government remains shut down through the end of October, absent some other change, then November SNAP benefits will likely not go out on time.
There are a lot of news stories from across the country describing how each state is handling this situation. It is important to remember that each state administers SNAP in their own way. Some states, for example, have stopped taking applications. Others may pay November benefits using state monies.
It is important to pay attention to whether the story is one about Ohio or another state. We highly recommend relying on information about November SNAP from ODJFS, LASCO, or other reliable sources here in Ohio.
Even if the government remains shutdown and SNAP benefits are not timely paid in November, SNAP recipients should still report changes in income or their household to ODJFS.
Some Legal Immigrants Lose SNAP Eligibility
As part of the Reconciliation Bill passed over the summer, fewer Ohioans will be eligible for SNAP. To get SNAP after November 1, you must be a:
- US Citizen
- Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or
- Cuban or Haitian Entrant
Groups who used to receive SNAP, but are no longer eligible include:
- Refugees
- Asylees
- Afghan interpreters who helped the US Military
- Some Special Immigrant Visa recipients
- Victims of human trafficking, and
- Other immigrants who are legally in the United States
In mid-October, some people may have received a notice stopping their SNAP even if they are still eligible. Determining who remains eligible is particularly challenging for people who came here as refugees and asylees and now have a Green Card.
LASCO is here to help sort through whether someone is still eligible if there is any question about their eligibility. People who are losing SNAP because of this change can apply for help with Legal Aid online at https://survey.legal/zvmDEn9wS138. They can also contact one of our support staff members, Vicki Thatcher, by email at vthatcher@lasco.org or by phone at 614-827-0523. We have access to interpreters if needed.
Remember, this only applies to SNAP. Medicaid recipients who are refugees, asylees, or in other immigration categories are still eligible for Medicaid.
New Work Requirements for SNAP
As part of the Reconciliation Bill passed over the summer, more Ohioans will be required to work or prove they are working or volunteering to get SNAP. Previously, the federal government exempted veterans, homeless individuals, and foster care youth from the work requirements, but that is no longer the case.
If you are between 18 and 64 years old and don’t have a minor child under 14 in your home, you will be subject to the work requirement.*
*Some exemptions still remain, including for people who are unable to work due to their health.
The new work requirements will not start for everyone immediately. However, the next time a person either applies for SNAP or reapplies, they will be screened to see if they have to meet the new work requirements.
This means that people who have not had a work requirement will now have to meet the new work rules. People impacted by this change can apply for help at www.lasco.org or call 1-888-246-4420.
These changes to SNAP are all going to greatly impact our clients, friends, and neighbors. LASCO will continue to both provide representation in individual cases and provide as much information about these changes as we can.