Ohio SNAP Recipients Face New Uncertainty As USDA Orders Rollback
States were warned of liability if they issued full benefits. What is Ohio’s next move in the face of that threat?
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Pressure from the Trump Administration and SCOTUS has prompted the USDA to issue an order to reverse and reduce SNAP benefits. The memorandum from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service cited a U.S. Supreme Court administrative stay of a lower court order.
“To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025. Please advise the appropriate FNS Regional Office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.
Per 7 CFR 271.7(h), failure to comply with this memorandum may result in USDA taking various actions, including cancellation of the Federal share of State administrative costs and holding States liable for any overissuances that result from the noncompliance.”
- Updated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) November Benefit Issuance, USDA.
In no uncertain language, the memorandum signals the intent of the USDA to leave states on the hook for issuing SNAP funds despite the orders from SCOTUS and the department itself.
The Ohio ODJFS published this release on Friday, stating that it was likely to issue full November SNAP benefits to Ohioans by this Week, but has walked this language back since the release of the USDA memo on Saturday.
Ohio is now required to process only a partial issuance. This will result in a 35% reduction in funds for food-insecure families.
Enclosure found within the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s 5th November memorandum. The chart lists the reduced allotments of benefits Ohio recipients can expect to see.
As per the language in Saturday’s memo, Ohio’s state government may choose to allot its own funding to get SNAP recipients the remaining 35% of their funding, but that choice comes with risks of facing penalties and fines over its actions. As of now, this does not appear to be something the state is willing to challenge.
Governor Mike DeWine had previously ordered the state to use up to $25 million in state funds for emergency food assistance. This included $7 million in TANF funds for Ohio food banks, and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits for Ohio Works First recipients.
While Ohio lawmakers clash over the state’s response, with calls from House Democrats urging a more comprehensive action, the Ohio Attorney General has declined to pursue.
Ohio is following the federal directive, but is also exploring alternative means of funding for its diverse emergency programs to assist families in need. Food insecure families — and the State House Democrats — remain uncertain and vulnerable, and urge further action from the government.
If you are food insecure in Cleveland or Lake County, please refer to Math City Times’ previous article for guidance on available resources and local groups performing mutual aid.