Waiver of SNAP Time Limits
Issue: Building a Healthy & Inclusive Society
Target Level of Office: State
Policy Origin: Ohio State Legislature
Poilcy/Bill Number: House Bill 395
Link: www.YEONetwork.org/2013policy/?i=225
YEO Sponsor:
Rep. Dan Ramos
Summary Narrative of the Policy: The Ohio Food Assistance Program (federally known as the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP) is designed to raise nutritional levels,
expand buying power, and to safeguard the health and well-being of individuals in low-income
households in Ohio. This bill addresses the issue of SNAP time limits established for certain
individuals who fail to meet work requirements in correspondence to counties of concentrated
unemployment.
Relevant Talking Points & Important Information:
• The overall U.S. unemployment rate has steadily declined since the recession officially
ended in June 2009; however, many Americans are still finding it hard to get by, even
those with jobs. A key indicator of economic hardship – enrollment in SNAP – is higher in
every state than it was five years ago, even though unemployment has officially dropped
in every state during the same period.
• Ohio has participated in a statewide waiver program because of high unemployment
rates since 2007. Current SNAP rules require childless adults who are not disabled to
work or participate in a qualifying job-training program for a minimum of 20 hours per
week. Howev \