Community Updates
New SNAP Updates
By: LASCO
New Security Feature Funding: Funding for a new security feature is being introduced for SNAP recipients: the ability to lock and unlock EBT cards by phone. This feature will be operational sometime in the future, but the exact timeline is unknown.
It remains especially important that SNAP users lock their cards through the ConnectEBT app.
🔐Tip for SNAP Recipients🔐: Always
lock your EBT card when not in use to reduce the risk of theft. If you suspect your benefits have been stolen, report it immediately to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Unlocked cards are vulnerable to electronic benefit theft, also known as “skimming.” Skimming happens when thieves electronically copy card information and steal benefits — often without recipients realizing it until their funds are gone.
Expanded Work Requirements: Federal changes
now require adults aged 18–64 without children under 14 to meet work requirements to receive SNAP. Previously, this applied only to those aged 18–54. Exemptions no longer exist for individuals who are:
- Veterans
- Experiencing homelessness
- Former foster youth
Immigration Status and SNAP Eligibility: SNAP eligibility will now be limited to:
- US Citizens
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) (Recipients may face a five-year waiting period after obtaining LPR status.)
- Cuban or Haitian Entrants
- "Individuals who lawfully reside in the United States under a Compact of Free Association"
Lawful asylee residents, refugees, and victims of human trafficking or humanitarian parole will no longer be eligible to receive SNAP benefits. The implementation timing of these new exemptions is still unknown.
These changes will require more frequent reporting and may result in loss of benefits for some individuals. LASCO is committed to keeping our community informed. As we learn more about implementation timelines and details, we’ll share updates with our partners and networks.