CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Beginning March 1, 2023, Cuyahoga County residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits will see a reduction in the total amount received each month, as the federal emergency allotment program ends in February.

The last SNAP emergency allotments will be issued throughout February 2023. In March 2023, customers will receive their standard SNAP allotment only.

In December, the U.S. Congress passed the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, a spending bill for the 2023 fiscal year which eliminated the Covid emergency allotment. At the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) opted into a federal waiver that increased SNAP benefits during the pandemic. The state has been issuing this emergency allotment since April 2020.

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) recognizes the impact this change will have in our community. Currently, about $53 million in SNAP benefits are spent each month in Cuyahoga County. CJFS estimates a $23 million reduction in SNAP benefits county-wide when this change occurs in March 2023. Approximately 212,000 residents will see a monthly reduction, ranging from $95 to $300.

Recipients who want to check their standard benefit amount can call the Ohio Direction Card Customer Service Center at 1-866-386-3071 or visit the Self-Service Portal at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov.

The resources below may assist families in need: 

•  Produce Perks – Stretch SNAP dollars in partnership with select Dave’s Supermarkets and local farmers markets.
• Greater Cleveland Food Bank – The online “Find Food Near Me” tool provides locations of food pantries, mobile pantries, and hot meal sites.
• United Way 2-1-1 – The United Way Help Center is open 24 hours a day by calling 2-1-1 for resources and information about food, clothing, housing, health care and more.
• The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) – NEOCH publishes a street card with information on meal sites, housing, counseling, and more.