What Is the Food Stamps Income Limit in Ohio?

The Ohio Office of Families and Children offers Ohio residents help with their grocery bills through several programs. One program, called SNAP, is a state-administered federal program. The program, which replaced the traditional food stamp program, is often still referred to as "food stamps." The program provides qualified households with preloaded cards that can be used to purchase groceries. In order to receive SNAP, Ohio residents must have a low income. The maximum amount of allowable income is predetermined.

Function

• The Ohio Office of Families and Children ultimately sets the income limits for the state's food stamp program. The program, though, must provide benefits for at least those individuals who meet federal income criteria. The federal criteria are based on the federal poverty level. This is the maximum amount of income a person in the United States can earn and still be considered poor. The U.S. Census Bureau establishes a federal poverty level and updates it each year. The FPL is a monthly, rather than a yearly, income figure.

Size

• The federal government allows SNAP recipients to earn gross income up to 130 percent of the federal poverty level and net monthly income equal to 100 percent of the poverty level. Individual states are allowed to set the income limit at more than 130 percent, but Ohio uses the federal standard as its limit. The limit varies based on the size of a family. The income limit is higher for larger households. In 2010, the federal SNAP limit (based on 130 percent of the FPL) was established at $1,174 of monthly income for a single individual. For a family of two, it was $1,579. For a family of four, it was $2,389.

Significance

• The income limits are designed to ensure that only people who truly need the assistance are receiving it. The program is targeted toward low-income families. These families often do not have sufficient financial resources to purchase food for the family. Food stamps supply this capability at no cost to the individual receiving assistance.

Time Frame

• SNAP recipients can continue to receive benefits as long as their income falls within the guidelines. State workers require recipients to provide notice when their income changes. The federal poverty level changes from year to year. Each year, the figure is recalculated.

Considerations

• Some expenses can be deducted from the gross income earned by a SNAP applicant or user. These expenses reduce the amount of the individual's income and can be the difference in whether the person qualifies for the food assistance program. Child support, though, is counted as income and must be reported as part of an applicant's earnings. Households that receive TANF (cash assistance) or SSI (disability) assistance for all household members do not need to meet income tests in order to receive SNAP.

Misconceptions

• A common misconception is that food stamps are available only to the unemployed in Ohio. Working individuals also can apply for and receive SNAP benefits in Ohio. They only need to earn less than the maximum income. Some political discussion has centered on illegal immigrants who receive SNAP benefits. Only legal immigrants can qualify for SNAP benefits.