Update on Ohio’s SNAP Benefits During the Federal Government Shutdown

In a letter dated October 10th, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food & Nutrition Service has issued guidance to states, directing them to hold their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issuance files and delay transmission of SNAP benefits to State EBT vendors for the month of November.

As such, the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) has notified SNAP Participants that November benefits may not be issued if the federal shutdown continues. ODJFS has issued public messages on the self-service portal and the benefits.ohio.gov website advising SNAP recipients that November benefits may be delayed and that updates will be shared as more information becomes available. They also confirmed SNAP recipients will be able to use their existing benefits after October 31.

Ohio’s SNAP benefits are typically distributed from the 2nd - 20th of each month, so impacts to your patients may vary depending on their issuance date. Ohio is still processing new applications and recertifications, though this could change if the shutdown continues.

Additionally emergency SNAP benefits for new applicants were mistakenly issued for November and are now being retracted from EBT cards, without notification, causing confusion for impacted households.

On October 30th, Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2025-06D: The Emergency Adoption of Rule 5101:1-23-40.1 of the Ohio Administrative Code for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Directing the Provision of Temporary Assistance to Ohioans Facing Food Insecurity.

The executive order will provide up to $25 million for food assistance to help Ohio families that will be affected by the suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, should the ongoing federal government shutdown continue beyond today.

The Governor’s order directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to give $7 million to various Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans – including more than 57,000 children – who are at or below 50% of the federal poverty level.

ODJFS will effectively double the monthly benefit for the state’s 63,000 Ohio Works First recipients. Ohio Works First provides needed assistance to low-income families with children – at or under 50% of the federal poverty level – using TANF funds. Recipients will receive their usual monthly benefit on Nov. 1. Then, as long as SNAP benefits are unavailable during the month of November, they will receive an additional weekly benefit equaling approximately one quarter of their typical monthly allotment. Providing benefits on a weekly basis will allow Ohio to react appropriately when federal funding resumes.

ODJFS will move immediately to distribute funds to food banks. The department expects Ohio Works First recipients to begin receiving emergency relief benefits by Nov. 7.

We understand this situation is subject to change and is likely to cause uncertainty for the individuals and families you serve. We will continue to monitor updates from ODJFS and federal agencies and will share any new information with members as it becomes available.