Are you one of the seniors who might be getting a boost in SNAP benefits? Find out how
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Good news for seniors who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help manage their grocery expenses.
If you're 60 or older, you’ll want to pay attention to some important changes that could affect your monthly food allowance.
These adjustments aim to provide more support to seniors, ensuring that your access to nutritious food becomes a little easier.
Before diving into the specifics of the proposed legislation, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how important SNAP is for seniors across the country.
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP ensures that those with limited income still have access to nutritious food.
In Ohio, nearly 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, including many of our readers here at The GrayVine.
The Proposed Boost in Ohio
Here’s the exciting part: House Bill 178, a proposed piece of legislation moving through Ohio’s House of Representatives, could mean more grocery money for Ohioans.
If you’re 60 or older and your monthly SNAP benefit is under $50, this bill could increase your allowance to at least $50 per month.
This change could impact over 70,000 households in Ohio, providing much-needed financial relief.
The state will cover the supplemental portion, while the federal government will continue to fund the rest.
Also read: This mom lost her $1,500 SNAP benefits—protect your groceries now!
Why This Matters More Than Ever
You may remember the additional SNAP benefits during the pandemic that provided extra help for many seniors.
However, with the end of the public health emergency, those extra funds have been cut.
In Ohio, this left over 70,000 older households with just $23 a month in benefits.
With the cost of living rising, every dollar counts, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
Also read: SNAP shake-up: Three major changes to benefits this year–See how they affect you
Voices of Support
Support for this increase is growing. Daniel P. Troy, a strong advocate for the bill, believes that Ohio needs to do more to help seniors with the growing costs of living.
He commented on the legislation, saying, "States nationwide have stepped up to address the inadequacy of SNAP benefits for older adults by finding ways to supplement the underfunded federal program with state resources. As lawmakers in Ohio, shouldn’t we follow suit? This legislation provides an opportunity to significantly improve the health and well-being of older Ohioans."
Joree Novotny, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, adds that seniors make up a large portion of those served by food banks, and boosting SNAP benefits could have a significant impact on their well-being.
The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Community Revitalization Committee, and although it’s still early, the bipartisan support it’s receiving is promising.
It’s clear that Ohio is committed to addressing hunger and improving life for its senior citizens.
Read next: Unlocking hidden benefits: How combining SSI and SNAP in 2025 could boost your support
At The GrayVine, we’re all about supporting one another. We want to hear from you! How have recent changes to SNAP benefits affected you or someone you know? What would a boost in your SNAP benefits mean for you? Share your stories in the comments below—we’re all in this together!
If you're 60 or older, you’ll want to pay attention to some important changes that could affect your monthly food allowance.
These adjustments aim to provide more support to seniors, ensuring that your access to nutritious food becomes a little easier.
Before diving into the specifics of the proposed legislation, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how important SNAP is for seniors across the country.
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP ensures that those with limited income still have access to nutritious food.
In Ohio, nearly 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, including many of our readers here at The GrayVine.
Proposed legislation aims to increase SNAP benefits for seniors, providing essential support to those in need. Image Source: YouTube / FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth.
The Proposed Boost in Ohio
Here’s the exciting part: House Bill 178, a proposed piece of legislation moving through Ohio’s House of Representatives, could mean more grocery money for Ohioans.
If you’re 60 or older and your monthly SNAP benefit is under $50, this bill could increase your allowance to at least $50 per month.
This change could impact over 70,000 households in Ohio, providing much-needed financial relief.
The state will cover the supplemental portion, while the federal government will continue to fund the rest.
Also read: This mom lost her $1,500 SNAP benefits—protect your groceries now!
Why This Matters More Than Ever
You may remember the additional SNAP benefits during the pandemic that provided extra help for many seniors.
However, with the end of the public health emergency, those extra funds have been cut.
In Ohio, this left over 70,000 older households with just $23 a month in benefits.
With the cost of living rising, every dollar counts, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
Also read: SNAP shake-up: Three major changes to benefits this year–See how they affect you
Voices of Support
Support for this increase is growing. Daniel P. Troy, a strong advocate for the bill, believes that Ohio needs to do more to help seniors with the growing costs of living.
He commented on the legislation, saying, "States nationwide have stepped up to address the inadequacy of SNAP benefits for older adults by finding ways to supplement the underfunded federal program with state resources. As lawmakers in Ohio, shouldn’t we follow suit? This legislation provides an opportunity to significantly improve the health and well-being of older Ohioans."
Joree Novotny, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, adds that seniors make up a large portion of those served by food banks, and boosting SNAP benefits could have a significant impact on their well-being.
The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Community Revitalization Committee, and although it’s still early, the bipartisan support it’s receiving is promising.
It’s clear that Ohio is committed to addressing hunger and improving life for its senior citizens.
Read next: Unlocking hidden benefits: How combining SSI and SNAP in 2025 could boost your support
At The GrayVine, we’re all about supporting one another. We want to hear from you! How have recent changes to SNAP benefits affected you or someone you know? What would a boost in your SNAP benefits mean for you? Share your stories in the comments below—we’re all in this together!
