Key Information for Ohioans Regarding Changes to SNAP and Medicaid
Some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients must prove they are working as of March 1st thanks to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Act (OBBA), removing work requirement exemptions from the program.
What is OBBBA?
OBBA is a law that passed in July 2025 and is focused on making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security for seniors, and enacting strict work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP, according to an article in Ohio Capital Journal.
Per Whitehouse.gov, the key impacts on Ohio include:
Medicaid and Safety Net Reductions: The law is expected to remove 340,000 people from Medicaid in Ohio. It also requires stricter work rules for food assistance programs, which might increase the state’s costs.
Tax Relief and Changes: The law makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, removes taxes on tips for workers earning below a certain amount, and lets seniors over 65 avoid taxes on Social Security.
Who is impacted by the work requirements?
As reported by Cleveland’s Channel 19 News, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has made the following changes due to the passage of OBBBA.
- Adding SNAP work requirements for adults who are age 55 to 64 Able-Bodied Adults (ABA).
- Medicaid recipients ages 19 to 64 who are covered under the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion.
- Removes work requirement exemptions for residents experiencing homelessness, youth formerly in foster care, and veterans.
- Adding work requirements for parents whose children are all age 14 or older.
- Changes to the standard utility allowance for customers in receipt of the Home Energy Assistance program who are not elderly people or people with disabilities.
Who is still exempt from the work requirements?
Ideastream Public Media has reported that the law makes refugees ineligible for SNAP, but the following individuals are still exempt from work requirements.
- Foster youth under the age of 26
- Indian Health Service members
- Caregivers of a dependent child 13 years old or younger or a person with a disability.
- Veterans with disabilities
- Individuals who are medically frail
- Individuals in a qualifying substance use disorder treatment program
- People that are in jail or have been in jail in the past three months
- People that are pregnant or postpartum
How can work requirements be fulfilled?
According to Ideastream Public Media, the work requirements can generally be fulfilled by working 80 hours per month or by participating in a work program, enrollment in an educational program, or community service.
How can individuals find work to help fulfill the requirements?
Ideastream Public Media also shared some programs and resources that those who rely on SNAP can use to find work. SNAP recipients can participate in the SNAP Employment and Training program for additional workforce development support, according to the ODJFS. The program helps participants gain skills, training and work experience that can lead to employment.
Additionally, OhioMeansJobs Centers across the state offer free assistance to job seekers, including career counseling, resume help, workshops and access to computers.
ApprenticeOhio offers a pathway to earn an income while you learn in fields like construction, healthcare, information technology and advanced manufacturing. The program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
When do work requirements go into effect?
Per WOSU Public Media, the new work requirements for SNAP recipients went into effect February 1. Recipients must begin showing proof of meeting the requirements by March 1.
Implementation guidance on changes to Medicaid are expected this summer, with states required to roll out the work requirements Jan. 1, 2027, although extensions may be granted.
How do Individuals ensure verification of fulfilling work requirements?
Cleveland’s Channel 19 News reports that ODJFS recommends taking the following steps to ensure verification of fulfilling work requirements.
- Use the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to apply online and manage your case. Be aware of benefit changes and available support.
- Submit verifications requested on time.
- Use the document upload on the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal.
- Use the document upload feature on the Eligibility Contact Center.
- Don’t miss your interview appointments and submit complete applications.
- Sign up for text alerts.
What happens if individuals do not fulfill work requirements?
WOSU Public Media states that SNAP recipients who do not fulfill the new work requirements will lose their benefits after three months. To requalify for SNAP, individuals must meet the work criteria for a period of 30 days. Additionally, SNAP recipients subject to the new work requirements will receive only three months of SNAP every 3 years unless they comply with these requirements.
Will there be more changes to Ohio SNAP in the future?
Yes, there will be changes to SNAP in the future. Governor Mike DeWine’s office submitted a waiver to the federal government to add sugary drinks and soda to the list of items banned from being purchased with SNAP funds, per WOSU Public Media.
Additionally, as noted by the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio is required to reduce its SNAP payment error rate to below 6% by October 1, 2027, to avoid significant financial penalties. As of fiscal year 2024, Ohio’s error rate was 9.13%, which is below the national average, but above the 6% target. If the rate does not decrease, Ohio may have to pay over $300 million annually in penalties beginning in 2028.