Ohio Direction Card (SNAP/FOOD ASSISTANCE) | Cuyahoga County Job And Family Services

General requirements: Cuyahoga County households with gross income at 130% or less of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL). Gross income can go up to 165% FPL for households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or has a permanent disability. Once on the program, income can go as high as 200% FPL (amount of benefit will taper off as the client's household income nears the 200% limit). Homes and cars are not counted as assets and will not affect eligibility. Striking workers who fall into this eligibility category will not have their pre-strike income used to determine eligibility. Work Requirements: Those aged 18-64 years who are Able Bodied Adults (ABAs) must work (paid or unpaid) or participate in an approved work program at least 20 hrs/week (average of 80 hrs/month). Work may include paid employment, volunteer hours, substance use disorder treatment programs, or education programs. Clients with work requirements have a maximum of three months in a 3-year period in which they do not have to fulfill work requirements. The three months in which the clients do not have to fulfill work requirements don't have to be used back-to-back and reset after three years of the enrollment date. The following are exempt from work requirements: Those age 65 or older. Those who are pregnant or residing with a child age 13 years or younger (applicant could be the parent or simply reside in the same household). Those caring for an incapacitated person. Receiving or have applied for unemployment benefits. Receiving unemployment compensation, SSI or other temporary or permanent disability benefits. Physically or mentally unable to work (this could be verified by the applicant's physician or social worker). Going to school, college, or training program at least half time. Meeting the work rules for Ohio Works First (OWF). Participating in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. Clients may self-attest some of these exemptions - the requirements for verifying documents may vary (agency will advise). NOTE: Being a veteran, experiencing homelessness, or being a former foster youth does not exempt individuals from work requirements. Citizenship/immigration status: To be eligible for SNAP, must be: U.S. Citizen or National. Lawful Permanent Residents after five years (there are exceptions to this five-year rule such as: minor children age 17 or younger, asylees, refugees, blind or disabled, and more - agency will advise). Cuban and Haitian Entrants. Other exceptions may apply - agency will advise. Does not serve undocumented immigrants. Information on immigration status is not shared with enforcement agencies.

Agency can look up most supporting documents through an electronic records search - the client will be notified if they need to supply any extra supporting documents. If needed, client may be asked to submit one or more of the following: proof of earned income (usually income tax form from previous year and last 4 pay stubs, but sudden change in income will be taken into account) and proof of any unearned income (child support, alimony) Proof of work hours and/or hours of participation in county work program Proof of outgoing household expenses (Rental/Lease agreement most recent utility bills medical bills day care receipts current bank statements) proof of immigration status (if applicable). Clients may submit their applications without all of the required documents at first, but will need to provide them within 10 days.

M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm.