The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could soon provide additional financial relief for seniors in Ohio, thanks to a newly proposed bipartisan bill. If passed, this legislation will ensure that low-income seniors receiving minimal SNAP benefits receive at least $50 per month to help cover grocery costs.
With over 70,000 Ohio households affected by recent SNAP reductions, lawmakers are stepping in to address food insecurity among the state’s elderly population. Here’s what you need to know about House Bill 178, how it could impact senior citizens, and what comes next.
Table of Contents
Understanding SNAP Benefits for Seniors in Ohio
What Is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low- and no-income individuals and families to help them purchase groceries. The program is federally funded but administered by individual states.
How Many People Rely on SNAP in Ohio?
In the 2024 fiscal year, nearly 1.4 million Ohio residents—approximately 12% of the state’s population—were enrolled in the SNAP program.
Proposed SNAP Boost for Seniors: What House Bill 178 Aims to Do
How Would the Bill Help Low-Income Seniors?
House Bill 178, introduced in Ohio’s House of Representatives, seeks to establish a supplemental benefit allotment for seniors who currently receive less than $50 in monthly SNAP benefits.
If passed, the bill would:
✅ Guarantee that all Ohio seniors (age 60+) enrolled in SNAP receive at least $50 per month
✅ Have the state cover the difference to bring the benefit to this new minimum level
✅ Continue federal funding for the rest of the SNAP benefit
This initiative aims to reduce food insecurity and ensure that elderly residents on fixed incomes have a more stable source of assistance for groceries.
Who Will Be Impacted by the Change?
This bill is expected to benefit over 70,000 low-income senior households across Ohio—many of whom saw their SNAP benefits drop to as little as $23 per month after pandemic-era assistance ended in February 2023.
SNAP 2025 Benefits: Maximum Food Stamp Payments for Large Families Explained
SNAP Income Limits for 2025 What is the Net Income Requirement for a 3-Person Household?
Why Are Ohio Lawmakers Pushing for This Change?
Bipartisan Support for Senior SNAP Benefits
The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic Representative Daniel P. Troy and Republican Representative Josh Williams, showing strong bipartisan backing. It also has 19 additional co-sponsors, all of whom are Democrats.
What Lawmakers Are Saying
Representative Josh Williams (R):
“After coming out of a period of record inflation, I believe it is ill-advised to reduce the essential benefits provided to Ohio seniors. Many of our elderly residents are on fixed incomes and have already faced significant financial strain due to rising costs. We must ensure that they continue to receive the support they need to live with dignity and stability.”
Representative Daniel P. Troy (D):
“States across the country have taken matters into their own hands to ensure SNAP benefit adequacy for older adults by exploring ways to supplement this underfunded federal benefit with state resources. As Ohio lawmakers, shouldn’t we be doing the same? This legislation represents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of older Ohioans.”
The Growing Need for SNAP Support Post-Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary federal legislation allowed states to increase SNAP benefits to assist struggling families and individuals. However, this additional funding ended in February 2023, causing many recipients to see drastic reductions in their monthly SNAP benefits.
For older Ohioans, this cut has been particularly difficult, as many live on fixed incomes and face increasing costs for housing, healthcare, and food.
Big Changes Coming to SNAP in New York: What Every Recipient Needs to Know for 2025
One-Time Social Security Payment 2025: Who Qualifies for the Proposed $495 Relief Check?
CalFresh Benefits April 2025: Payment Schedule and Eligibility Details
Social Security COLA Payments Increasing in April 2025: New Payout Updates and What You Need to Know
SSDI Payment Schedule for April 2025 When Will Disability Benefits Be Paid?
Why Advocates Are Pushing for Increased Senior SNAP Benefits
The Ohio Association of Foodbanks, a major organization fighting hunger in the state, has voiced strong support for House Bill 178.
Joree Novotny, Executive Director of Ohio Association of Foodbanks, stated:
*”Older Ohioans represent one in five individuals served by food banks and their local partners. Local food banks serve as safety nets for federal programs, and we can’t continue to provide this level of response without significant support.
By investing in an increased minimum monthly SNAP benefit, the state can assist low-income seniors living on fixed incomes who are struggling with the rising costs of housing, medication, and food. We applaud the sponsors for introducing this legislation—the bipartisan support is a strong example of Ohio’s commitment to fighting hunger.”*
What Happens Next? The Path to Approval
The bill has been assigned to the House Community Revitalization Committee for review. Here’s what happens next:
1️⃣ The committee will hold hearings to discuss the proposal and hear expert testimony.
2️⃣ Lawmakers will vote on whether to advance the bill to the full House of Representatives.
3️⃣ If approved by the House, it will move to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
4️⃣ If passed in the Senate, the bill would go to Governor Mike DeWine for final approval and signing into law.
While the bill has bipartisan support, its passage is not guaranteed. Lawmakers will need to agree on funding sources and finalize the budget before implementing the changes.
Final Thoughts: Why House Bill 178 Matters
For thousands of Ohio seniors, even a small increase in SNAP benefits can make a major difference in their ability to afford food and live with dignity.
With the cost of groceries rising and many elderly residents struggling on fixed incomes, House Bill 178 aims to provide a crucial safety net for those most in need.
Key Takeaways
✅ If passed, all Ohio seniors receiving SNAP will get at least $50 per month
✅ More than 70,000 senior households will benefit from the increase
✅ The bill has bipartisan support but still requires legislative approval
✅ Advocates argue that state funding is necessary to combat senior hunger
🔹 Will Ohio lawmakers take action to support seniors in need? Stay tuned for further updates as House Bill 178 moves through the legislative process.
📢 What Do You Think?
Do you believe Ohio should increase SNAP benefits for seniors? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇