All,

As I am sure you are aware, the federal government is still in a partial shutdown. While most of the services the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are not impacted, other social services are. If you have not seen media reports or heard from your local Jobs and Family Services office, please be aware that SNAP (food stamps) benefits are somewhat impacted.

Due to the shutdown, February SNAP benefits will be loaded on to cards before the end of January. This may cause confusion for the individuals you support, your staff who assist individuals to use their benefits and potentially staff who receive SNAP benefits themselves. End of the month balances will likely appear higher than normal. Do not encourage staff or the individuals you support to immediately spend this down by the end of the month- this amount is intended to cover February benefits.

You can read about this change here: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/ohio/partial-government-shutdown-affecting-ohios-february-food-stamp-benefits/95-f7f3bae0-6ab8-4928-a98d-6c2512b2ce2c

If you have questions, please contact your local JFS office.

Christine

Christine Touvelle

Policy Analyst

O- 614-224-6772

1152 Goodale Blvd.

Columbus, Ohio 43212