Emergency (Expedited) Food Assistance
Families and individuals with special circumstances can receive a decision on their food benefits application faster than normal—within 24 hours for some groups and seven days for others.
Answering the Expedited SNAP questions when completing an application for food assistance will help the caseworker determine if you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits faster.
If your application for expedited service is approved, you will receive your benefits within seven calendar days.
Expedited service is available only for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.
You may be entitled to 24-hour expedited service if:
- You have zero net income and
- You have less than $100 in cash assets
You may be entitled to 7-day expedited service if:
- Your gross monthly income is less than $150 and
- You have less than $100 in cash assets
OR - You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and
- You have less than $100 in cash assets
OR - Your combined gross monthly income and cash resources are less than your monthly rent or mortgage and utilities
Answering the Expedited SNAP questions when completing an application for food assistance will help the caseworker determine if you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits faster.
If your application for expedited service is approved, you will receive your benefits within seven calendar days.
Expedited service is available only for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.
The Process for Applying
- Apply online
- Call 844-640-OHIO (6446), Mon – Fri 8am to 4pm
- Visit your local library for help applying online, by phone, or by fax
- In-person at a Neighborhood Family Service Center
Programs
BenefitsCheckUp® for Seniors
Have you had your BenefitsCheckUp? This free, comprehensive web-based program connects older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.
Utility Assistance
Ohio offers Energy Assistance Programs to help low-income residents pay their heating or cooling bills.
Ohio Works First
Ohio Works First is a financial assistance part of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. OWF provides temporary support to families while parents work their way toward becoming self-sufficient.
Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program can help you cover part of the cost of child care while you are working or in school. Eligible residents can choose from hundreds of licensed care programs to find the one that best meets their needs.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of low-income Americans. Like other health insurance plans, Medicaid can help pay for doctor’s visits, hospital expenses, long-term care, and more.
Related Information
Throughout Northeast Ohio, one in six people is food insecure – meaning they may not know where their next meal will come from. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank seeks to bridge the meal gap, connecting individuals with the nutritious meals they need to succeed.