by Che Gadison

   (Plain Press April 2026) The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (House Resolution 1) changed federal policy on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility that resulted in Ohioans who were formerly free from work requirements to receive SNAP benefits now having to meet those requirements. 

   Beginning February 1 of this year, some adults aged 18–64 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now required to either meet the 20-hour per week (80 hours/month) work requirement, participate in a SNAP E&T training program for at least 20 hours/week or qualify for an exemption.   These new policy changes are referred to as the new “Able-Bodied Adults (ABAs) Work Rules.” 

   Adults who previously were free from the work requirement, but must now meet those requirements include the following: Adults who are homeless; Veterans; Former foster youth; Caregivers with a child under 18, is now lowered to 14 years or younger; Adults 65 or older is now lowered to 55 or over

   The work activity requirement can be met through paid employment, qualified training or community service. If someone is NOT exempt and has not fulfilled the mandatory work requirements, then that recipient risks losing their SNAP benefits and will only have 3 months within a 3-year period to renew SNAP benefits back by meeting the work requirement for 30 days or getting an exemption.  Otherwise, the recipient will not be eligible for SNAP benefits for three years. The first countable month of the 3-month grace period began on March 1st.

   You may be free from the work requirements for the following reasons: 1). Work or School Reasons where the applicant makes $217.50 or more/week at work, receives or has applied for unemployment benefits or is in school or training program half time or more. A student enrolled at least half time; or Employed or self-employed and working a minimum of thirty hours per week. 2). Family Reasons that include: someone who is a caregiver of a child under 14 (even if the child isn’t eligible for SNAP) or they care for a child under 6, or a child or adult is disabled or needs your care (even if not living together or related). If you are age 59 or younger and are responsible for the care of an incapacitated person may also be exempt or if you are currently applying for or receiving unemployment compensation benefits. Remember to provide a satisfactory reason why you are not employed like transportation issues, personal or family emergencies, illness etc. 3).Personal Reasons (Indigenous Tribal) which includes: Alaska Native, or a member of an American Indian, Native American, Urban Indian, or California Indian tribe (or has a parent or grandparent who is a member). 4). Health Reasons that include: Have a short- or long-term health issue (physical or mental) that makes it hard to work 30 or more hours/week,

 pregnancy, receives disability benefit or payment like SSI, Worker’s Compensation, or Paid Family, is on medical leave or is in a substance use treatment program. You may also be exempt if currently participating in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program.

   You have the right to: Have the Cuyahoga Job and Family Service(CJFS)  act on updates from you before your next SNAP payment, get help from a county caseworker, a SNAP application assister or a Legal Aid attorney; appeal if CJFS incorrectly reduces or ends your SNAP benefits and tell your caseworker if you are exempt or meeting the work rules. Make sure to inform your caseworker of any reasons why you are unable to meet the requirements to increase your chances of receiving SNAP benefits.

   To stay updated about benefit status, create an account in the Self-Service Portal at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov or call EBT Customer Service: 1-866-386-3071.

Editor’s Note: The author, Che Gadison, is a member of Northern Ohioans for Budget Legislation Equality (NOBLE).