How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Ohio

Applying for SNAP benefits in Ohio is a direct process. You can submit your application online, in-person, or by mail.

Apply Online

The quickest way to apply is through Ohio’s online portal. You can create an account, fill out the application, and upload documents from home, saving a trip to a local office.

To start, visit the Ohio Food Assistance page. You will need to create an account to complete the application and submit your information and any required documents electronically.

Apply In-Person

For direct assistance, you can apply in person at your local County Department of Job & Family Services office. Staff can help you complete the form and answer any questions you may have.

You must apply in the county where you live. You can find your local office’s location and hours on the state’s JFS website to submit your application and supporting documents.

Apply By Mail

If you prefer a paper-based process, you can mail your application. This method requires you to download and print the form, then send it to your county’s JFS office.

You can download the application from the Ohio JFS website. After filling it out, mail the completed form and copies of your documents to your county’s Department of Job & Family Services.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Ohio

For questions about your SNAP application, you can contact the Ohio Benefits call center. Here is their contact information:

• Phone: 1-844-640-6446

• Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Services: Staff can help you apply for benefits or check your application status.

See Ohio EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Ohio

Once you're approved for SNAP, it's time to learn how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Think of it like a debit card for your food assistance. It holds your monthly benefit amount, which you can use to buy groceries at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card and enter your private four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card for any other purchase.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card lets you buy a wide range of groceries for your household. Generally, you can purchase staple food items intended to be prepared and eaten at home. This helps you stock your pantry and refrigerator with essentials.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products like milk and cheese

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants which produce food to eat

However, there are restrictions on what you can purchase. SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items, alcohol, or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. You will need to pay for these items separately.

• Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (with some exceptions for fish and shellfish)

• Foods that are hot at the point of sale

• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your monthly food assistance and stay on top of your budget.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

Knowing your balance prevents surprises at the checkout counter. You can check your Ohio EBT card balance in a few different ways.

• Online: Visit the ebtEDGE website to view your balance and transaction history after creating an account.

• By Phone: Call the EBT customer service number at 1-866-386-3071. This number is also on the back of your EBT card.

• Mobile App: You can use a third-party app to track your funds. The Benny app shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance.

• Receipts: Your last grocery receipt will show your remaining EBT balance after your purchase.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Ohio

Your SNAP benefits are deposited on the same day each month. The specific date depends on the last digit of your case number.

Benefits are distributed between the 2nd and the 20th of the month. For example, if your case number ends in 1, you will receive your benefits on the 2nd. If it ends in 0, you will get them on the 20th.

Renewing Your SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits are not permanent and must be renewed periodically. Your local JFS office will mail you a notice when it is time for your recertification.

The renewal process is similar to your first application. You will need to confirm your household information, income, and expenses to determine if you are still eligible for assistance.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Ohio

In Ohio, your SNAP benefits are deposited between the 2nd and 20th of each month. The exact date is determined by the last digit of your case number, which helps you plan your grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our Ohio deposit schedule.

See Ohio EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

To check your Ohio EBT balance, you can use the online portal, the Benny app, or call the number on your card. Your balance is also printed on your last grocery receipt.

Check out our guide covering each method on how to check your EBT balance.

Check Your Ohio EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.