by Tonya Sams

   (Plain Press March 2026) Federal law changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (HR1) introduced changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including new eligibility, work requirements, reporting, and administrative requirements that will affect thousands of families in Cuyahoga County.

   According to the Cuyahoga County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS), SNAP now requires able-bodied adults from 18 to 64 years of age to work at least 20 hours a week (80 hours a month) to continue to receive their benefits. This includes working in a paid position, unpaid community service, and certain employment and training programs.

   This also means that those who were previously exempt – such as those over 54, veterans, the homeless, or those who have aged out of the foster care system – must meet these requirements. Those who have children under 18 are no longer exempt, only those with children under 14.

   As of December 2025, JFS sent out letters informing those impacted by eligibility changes that they were in danger of losing their exempt status. 

   Despite the new requirements, there are still some exceptions. Adults between the ages of 60-64 could be eligible for exemptions if they are mentally or physically unable to work. Pregnant women are also an exception. Another exception is for those living with someone who is also an assistance group member under the age of 14. Another exception category is for Indians, Urban Indians, or California Indians. Other age groups may be eligible for these exemptions.

   Those who are 59 years of age or younger may be exempt if they are students who are enrolled at least half time, people who are employed or self-employed and work at least 30 hours a week, or those who are applying for or receiving unemployment benefits. Those in a drug addiction, alcoholic treatment or rehab program are also exempt.  

   Anyone who does not meet the new work requirement will be allowed to receive benefits for only three months in a three-year period until they submit proof that they meet the work requirement for 30 days or get an exemption.

   A person who has satisfied the unpaid work hours requirement must complete the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABA) Verification of Unpaid Hours Form (Form number 07410). The form can be found online at www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/ and then submitted at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov or by mail or in person to the Cuyahoga JFS office at 1641 Payne Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114.

   The Cuyahoga County Hunger Response Team has published an Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page about SNAP work requirements, available at: cuyahogacounty.gov/hunger-response-team2

         Food assistance resources are available at: Greater Cleveland Food Bank – Community Resource Center, 15500 S. Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110, phone: 216-738-2067greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/crc;
For food pantries:  greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/get-help/find-food; United Way 2-1-1, Information on food pantries, shelters and more. Online chat: 211oh.org; and Find Food – Hunger Network Information on food pantries hungernetwork.org/find-help/find-food/.

   Legal Aid may be able to help with benefit issues. Call 888-817-3777 or complete an online intake at lasclev.org/apply.  For a complete list of Legal Aid Brief Advice Clinics visit: lasclev.org/clinics 

   Editor’s Note: Tonya Sams is the Development and Communications Manager at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.