SNAP Benefits Could Be Boosted For Some Seniors

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be increased for seniors in Ohio if the proposed legislation is passed.

Why It Matters

SNAP benefits are administered to low- and no-income families and individuals to help them buy groceries. In the 2024 fiscal year, there were nearly 1.4 million people in Ohio collecting the benefit—or 12 percent of the state population.

What To Know

House Bill 178 has been introduced in Ohio's House of Representatives and would establish a "supplemental benefit allotment" for senior SNAP recipients. It would give Ohioans aged 60 and older who currently receive a monthly SNAP benefit of less than $50 a boost to their monthly allowance.

The proposed legislation would bring the total monthly benefit up to a minimum floor of $50 per month. The state would fund the supplemental portion of the payment to ensure it reaches this level, while the rest is funded by the federal government as usual.

The change is expected to impact more than 70,000 households in the Buckeye State.

The bill has bipartisan support, having been introduced by Democrat Daniel P. Troy and Republican Josh Williams. It is cosponsored by 19 other lawmakers, all of whom are Democrats.

"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 said, according to a report by The News-Herald.

During the coronavirus pandemic, federal legislation allowed states to temporarily increase benefits to SNAP recipients, but this ended in February 2023 in Ohio.

What People Are Saying

Bill sponsor Josh Williams told Newsweek: "After coming out of a period of record inflation, I believe it is ill-advised to reduce the essential benefits provided to Ohio seniors. Many of our elderly residents are on fixed incomes and have already faced significant financial strain due to rising costs. We must ensure that they continue to receive the support they need to live with dignity and stability."

Daniel P. Troy said of the legislation: "States across the country 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. As Ohio lawmakers, shouldn't we be doing the same? This legislation represents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of older Ohioans."

Ohio Association of Foodbanks executive director Joree Novotny: "Older Ohioans represent one in five individuals served by food banks and their local partners. Local food banks serve as safety nets for federal programs, and we can't continue to provide this level of response without significant support.

"By investing in an increased minimum monthly SNAP benefit, the state can assist low-income seniors living on fixed incomes who are struggling with the rising costs of housing, medication and food. We applaud the sponsors for introducing this legislation—the bipartisan support is a strong example of Ohio's commitment to fighting hunger."

What Happens Next

The bill has been assigned to the House Community Revitalization Committee.