Seniors May Get an Increase in SNAP Benefits: What You Need to Know

If the proposed law is approved, Ohio seniors may get higher benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Families and individuals with low or no income are given SNAP payments to assist with grocery shopping. Nearly 1.4 million Ohioans, or 12% of the state’s total population, were receiving the benefit in the 2024 fiscal year.

The House of Representatives in Ohio has sponsored House Bill 178, which would create a “supplemental benefit allotment” for elderly SNAP users. It would increase the monthly amount of Ohioans 60 and older who currently get less than $50 in SNAP benefits.

The entire monthly payout would be increased to a minimum floor of $50 per month under the proposed law.

The federal government would continue to cover the remaining portion of the payment, with the state providing funding for the additional amount to guarantee it reaches this level.

In the Buckeye State, the adjustment is anticipated to affect around 70,000 homes.

The bill, which was presented by Republican Josh Williams and Democrat Daniel P. Troy, has bipartisan support. It has 19 other politicians, all Democrats, as co-sponsors.

In February 2023, Ohio discontinued the temporary increase in SNAP payments granted by federal legislation after the coronavirus outbreak.

“Since the termination of the public health emergency [coronavirus pandemic], over 70,000 older Ohioan households have seen their monthly benefits reduced to $23, after receiving significantly more during the emergency,” Troy stated.

Ohio’s temporary increase in SNAP payments was terminated in February 2023, despite federal legislation permitting states to do so during the coronavirus pandemic.

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“States nationwide have taken matters into their own hands to ensure SNAP benefit adequacy for older adults by exploring ways to supplement this underfunded federal benefit with state resources,” Daniel P. Troy said in reference to the legislation. Shouldn’t we be doing the same as Ohio lawmakers? There is a chance to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of senior citizens in Ohio with this legislation.

The House Community Revitalization Committee has been tasked with reviewing the measure.

This information has been sourced from Newsweek.