Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements in Ohio?
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New national legislation passed in 2025 expanded work requirement rules for SNAP recipients across the country—that means more people have to show proof they’re meeting the requirements or risk losing their benefits.
But many people in Ohio may be exempt from these work requirements (meaning you don’t have to meet them) and not even know it.
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What does a SNAP work exemption mean?#what-does-a-snap-work-exemption-mean
A SNAP work exemption means you don’t have to meet the work requirement rules in order to keep getting your SNAP benefits.
As of March 1, 2026, if you get SNAP benefits in Ohio and you're considered an "able-bodied adult" (ABA — Ohio's term for what's commonly called ABAWD), you need to show you're working, volunteering, or in an approved activity for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours a month) to keep getting benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period.
None of your months count until your county Job and Family Services (JFS) office has screened you for exemptions, which will happen at your next renewal. If you qualify for an exemption, that means you don’t have to meet the SNAP work requirements.
You may be exempt from the ABA SNAP work requirements in Ohio if you are:
- 65 or older
- Under 18
- Living with a household member under 14, even if it's not your own child and even if that person doesn't get SNAP themselves
- Currently pregnant
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- An American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian, or California Indian who qualifies under federal rules
- Providing care for a child under 6 or an incapacitated person
- Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
- Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment and rehabilitation program
- Enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school, training, or college program
- Meeting Ohio Works First (OWF) work requirements
- Working or self-employed at least 30 hours a week, or earning equivalent wages
Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and youth aging out of foster care are no longer automatically exempt in Ohio and will need to meet these work requirements.
How do I report a SNAP work exemption in Ohio?#how-do-i-report-a-snap-work-exemption-in-ohio
Once you know you qualify for an exemption, you should tell your county Job and Family Services (JFS) office. You can report an exemption when you apply for SNAP, during your SNAP renewal (recertification), or anytime your circumstances change.
For many exemptions, telling your caseworker is usually enough. Ohio generally accepts your word for it unless something about your situation needs a closer look.
Here’s how to report that you’re exempt from SNAP work requirements in Ohio:
- Online: Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal
- By phone: 1-844-640-OHIO (6446)
- In person: Find your county Job and Family Services office
What documents do I need to prove an exemption?#what-documents-do-i-need-to-prove-an-exemption
Some exemptions are confirmed automatically from what's already in your case file; others need documentation.
Make sure your information on file is current and accurate, and tell your county JFS office about any changes that could affect your exemption.
Here’s what you might need for each exemption:
If you’re 65 or older, or under 18#if-youre-65-or-older-or-under-18
No extra proof needed—your age is already on file with your case.
If you’re living with a child under 14#if-youre-living-with-a-child-under-14
Usually confirmed from the household information already on file. This applies even if it's not your own child, and even if that household member doesn't receive SNAP themselves.
If you’re physically or mentally unable to work#if-youre-physically-or-mentally-unable-to-work
If your condition is obvious to your caseworker, you likely won't need to provide anything—observed unfitness doesn't require a medical statement. If it's not obvious, you'll need a statement from a medical professional. Already receiving disability benefits from a government or private source also qualifies you on its own.
If you’re pregnant#if-youre-pregnant
Just telling your caseworker is usually enough—being pregnant qualifies you on its own, no proof required.
If you’re a member of a certain Native American or Alaska Native tribe or group#if-youre-a-member-of-a-certain-native-american-or-alaska-native-tribe-or-group
Self-reporting is generally enough unless your caseworker has a reason to ask for proof.
If you’re enrolled at least half-time in school, training, or college#if-youre-enrolled-at-least-half-time-in-school-training-or-college
Ohio will typically ask for proof of enrollment, like a school verification letter or class schedule.
If you’re caring for a child under 6 or an incapacitated person#if-youre-caring-for-a-child-under-6-or-an-incapacitated-person
Telling your caseworker is usually enough—no extra proof needed unless your situation seems questionable.
If you’re receiving or applying for unemployment benefits#if-youre-receiving-or-applying-for-unemployment-benefits
Telling your caseworker that you're receiving or have applied for unemployment is generally enough.
If you’re a regular participant in a drug or alcohol treatment program#if-youre-a-regular-participant-in-a-drug-or-alcohol-treatment-program
Telling your caseworker that you are a regular participant, as a resident or non-resident, in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program is generally enough.
If you're applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)#if-youre-applying-for-supplemental-security-income-ssi
While your SSI application is pending, Ohio waives the work requirement until Social Security decides your case.
If you're meeting Ohio Works First (OWF) work requirements#if-youre-meeting-ohio-works-first-owf-work-requirements
If you're already complying with Ohio's TANF-equivalent program's work requirements, that satisfies this exemption too.
What if I have good reason for missing my hours?#what-if-i-have-good-reason-for-missing-my-hours
In Ohio, not meeting work requirements because of “good cause” is different from an exemption.
If you're not exempt, you still have to meet your work hours each month, but if you miss them because of illness, a household emergency, lack of transportation, or domestic violence, Ohio can excuse that specific month for “good cause” so it doesn't count against your 3-month limit.
Tell your caseworker right away if any of these apply to you, so it's on record. Good cause only covers that one month—the next month, you're back to needing to meet your hours unless you qualify for an exemption or have good cause again.
How to appeal a SNAP work requirement determination in Ohio#how-to-appeal-a-snap-work-requirement-determination-in-ohio
If Ohio denies your exemption, decides you're not meeting the work requirement, or cuts off your benefits because of the ABA time limit, you have the right to appeal. This is called a fair hearing.
How to request a hearing: Request a hearing online at the ODJFS Bureau of State Hearings request page, by email to bsh@jfs.ohio.gov, by phone at (866) 635-3748, or by fax at (614) 728-9574.
You can also start a request through your county JFS office or mail a request to:
ODJFS BSH
POB 182825
Columbus, OH 43218-2825
You don't need a lawyer to request one, though free legal help is available (see below).
Deadline to request a hearing: You have 90 days from the date on your notice to request a fair hearing.
Keeping your benefits during the appeal: To keep getting your current benefits while your appeal is pending, request the hearing within 15 days of the date on your notice. Your benefits can't continue past the end of your certification period even if your appeal is still pending, so if your certification ends first, you'll need to recertify separately.
If you win: Your SNAP benefits will be restored, including any missed while your appeal was pending.
If you lose: If you kept getting SNAP deposits while your appeal was pending, you may have to pay back any benefits you weren't eligible for.
Free legal help: Search OhioLegalHelp.org for a legal aid office near you, or contact Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (formerly the Legal Aid Society of Columbus) at 1-888-246-4420.
