• Learn about Ohio food stamp rules.carton of eggs image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
  
  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the Food Stamp Program) provides low-income families with additional benefits to buy food. This is a safeguard of sorts for households unable to fully support themselves. Each state in the US has its own set of rules regarding eligibility and the procedure for registering under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In Ohio, the eligibility rules for SNAP were changed in October 2008. The new eligibility rules consider only income, not assets already owned by individuals in the household. This change is causing some disagreements in parts of the state because relatively well-off persons are now eligible to receive monthly SNAP benefits. However, Ohio's main rules involve eligibility standards, legal uses of the benefits and requirements for maintaining eligibility.
  
  

Income

• In Ohio, a household may financially qualify for SNAP if its income is at or under 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. In some cases, even if the income is over the limit, a household may qualify if it includes an elderly or disabled person. Other factors are also taken into account, such as monthly household expenses like utility bills, rent, medical payments, child support payments and costs of dependents. In addition to the financial factors, a need for food assistance must also be present. Essentially, the basic requirements to pre-qualify are low income and a food supply need.
  
  

Debit Card Restrictions

• When a household has qualified for SNAP benefits, it receives an Ohio Direction Card, which is like a debit card. Monthly benefits are automatically added to the card each month, and the beneficiary can conveniently use the card to purchase food. However, there are restrictions for using the card. Items such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, hot food that is to be eaten immediately, vitamins and medicines or non-food items such as paper products, soaps and any other household item cannot be purchased with the Ohio Direction Card.
  
  

Self-Sufficiency Contract

• Because the SNAP benefits are meant to be a buffer for households in dire need of assistance, all adult members of the household must sign a self-sufficiency contract that points to the ambition of being financially independent. The contract may set a time limit for SNAP benefits, and it may have other requirements such as mandatory education programs for qualifying members of the household. The goal of SNAP is to ensure that every person, regardless of circumstances, has food to eat. It is not "free money" to replace employment, but a temporary aid until a household can attain reasonable financial sufficiency.