Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says help is on the way for families who could lose their SNAP (food stamp) benefits because of the ongoing federal government shutdown. The state plans to spend up to $25 million to make sure Ohioans don’t go hungry while Washington works things out.
When and Where the Help Is Coming
- $7 million will go to local food banks across Ohio. These are the same food banks that already help families in crisis, so the money should reach communities quickly.
- Up to $18 million will go directly to about 63,000 Ohio families, including 57,000 children, who receive assistance through Ohio Works First (the state’s cash aid program for very low-income households).
Those families will:
- Get their regular monthly benefit on November 1
- Receive an extra weekly payment starting around November 7 if federal SNAP funds are still suspended
- The extra payment will equal about one-fourth of their normal monthly benefit, meaning families will see a small boost each week until federal benefits resume.
This money will come from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds, not the state’s “rainy day” fund.
Who Qualifies: Understanding 50% of the Federal Poverty Level
To qualify for this special assistance, families must be at or below 50% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL is a number the federal government uses to decide who qualifies for programs like SNAP and Medicaid. It changes based on household size.
Here’s what 50% of the poverty level looks like for 2025:
| Household Size | 50% of Poverty Level (Yearly) | Monthly Income |
| 1 person | $7,290 | $608 |
| 2 people | $9,860 | $822 |
| 3 people | $12,430 | $1,035 |
| 4 people | $15,000 | $1,250 |
| 5 people | $17,570 | $1,464 |
So for example:
- A single parent with one child earning under $9,860 a year (or about $822 a month) would qualify.
- A family of four making under $15,000 a year (about $1,250 a month) would also qualify.
- Someone living alone and making less than $608 a month could be eligible.
If your household income is below those amounts, you’re likely in the group that will receive help through Ohio Works First.
Why This Is Happening
SNAP benefits are federally funded, and with the federal government in partial shutdown, new payments could be delayed. Governor DeWine said Ohio’s plan is meant as a temporary patch until the federal government passes a funding bill.
“This is not a long-term fix,” DeWine said. “The simplest solution is for Congress to reopen the federal government so SNAP benefits can resume.”