Food Assistance (SNAP)

The Food Assistance Program — formerly the Food Stamp Program and known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — helps eligible low-income Meigs County residents stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food. A household may be one person or a group of individuals who live together and usually purchase and prepare their food together.

You may qualify if your household's gross monthly income is at or under 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. Some households with income over the limit may still qualify if a member is elderly or disabled.

If your income is under the limit (or the limit does not apply), your benefit amount is based on your household expenses — including rent or mortgage, gas, electric, water, sewer, phone, medical expenses, and payments for child support and child care. Eligibility also considers how many people purchase and prepare food together and, in some cases, resources such as cash, savings and stocks.

There are several ways to apply through Meigs County Job & Family Services:

• Online any time at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov.
• By paper — complete the Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance (JFS 7200) and submit it to our office at 175 Race St., P.O. Box 191, Middleport, OH 45760.
• In person during office hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) or in the 24-hour drop box at our main entrance.

Questions? Call us at 1-740-992-2117. Be sure to ask for the Program Enrollment and Benefit Information (JFS 07501) booklet, which explains your rights and responsibilities and how to apply for many types of benefits.

You can also check the status of your benefits and/or request text-alert notifications through the Shared Services hotline at 844-640-6446. You may also call our office at 1-740-992-2117.

You will need proof of the following:

• Your Social Security number, or proof that you've applied for one
• Income (pay stubs, tax records or child support notices)
• Identity (for example, a driver's license or state ID)
• Child care / dependent care costs
• Child support paid for children not living with you
• Housing and utility costs
• Medical expenses for those with disabilities or over age 60 (including prescriptions)

Our office may verify your information with other agencies or people, and may ask for additional documents. If you need help getting any document, tell your caseworker.

You can use your benefits to buy most food and food products. The following cannot be purchased:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco
• Vitamins and/or medicines
• Hot food products prepared to be eaten immediately
• Non-food items (such as pet food, paper products, soaps and household supplies)

You may not sell or trade your benefits, buy non-food items, or use your benefits to buy food for someone who is not a member of your household.

Meigs County Job & Family Services and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) are public agencies that manage federal money, and discrimination is not allowed in programs that use federal money. Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or political beliefs is against the law.

To file a complaint with the ODJFS Bureau of Civil Rights, write to ODJFS, Bureau of Civil Rights, 30 E. Broad St., 37th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; call (614) 644-2703 or toll-free 1-866-227-6353; TTY 1-866-221-6700; or fax (614) 752-6381. To file with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, write to USDA Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).