Work rules, drink limits expand

LORAIN COUNTY — More than 31,000 Lorain County residents receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, commonly known as SNAP. Several changes are already in effect or will begin Oct. 1.

Ohio data show 31,079 county residents received benefits in May, down from 34,198 in July 2025. That is a decline of 3,119 people, or 9.1%, in 10 months. Caseload figures alone do not explain why each person left the program.

Expanded work requirements took effect Feb. 1. Adults ages 55 through 64 and some parents with dependent children ages 14 to 18 may now have to document at least 80 hours a month of work, approved training or qualifying unpaid work.

People who do not meet the requirement generally can receive SNAP for only three months during a 36-month period unless they qualify for an exemption. Exemptions may include pregnancy, a medical condition that prevents employment or responsibility for a child younger than 14. Other exemptions may apply.

Federal law also narrowed eligibility for some noncitizens, including certain refugees and people granted asylum who do not have another qualifying immigration status.

Beginning Oct. 1, Ohio SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase certain sugary carbonated beverages or sugary fountain drinks. Shoppers may still buy those products with another form of payment. Other eligible food purchases are not affected.

Another Oct. 1 change will reduce the federal government’s share of SNAP administrative costs. That change does not directly reduce a household’s benefit, but it could place additional pressure on state and county agencies responsible for processing cases.

Residents can review their benefits at benefits.ohio.gov or call 844-640-6446 for assistance.

For readers who want to research further:

• Ohio SNAP work requirements
• Ohio’s beverage restriction
• Federal legislation
• Lorain County Job and Family Services
• May 2026 Ohio caseload report

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