Cuyahoga County officials are sounding the alarm for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, warning that new federal rules will soon require many locals to track and prove their work hours or see their food help shrink. County Job and Family Services says some residents who used to qualify for exemptions may now have to meet a work-activity requirement and turn in paperwork on a tight schedule.
What Changed And Who It Affects
The new rules grow out of federal legislation H.R. 1 (P.L. 119-21), enacted July 4, 2025, which expanded SNAP work requirements, narrowed who can claim exemptions, and limited counties’ ability to seek waivers. As detailed by the Congressional Research Service, the law also tweaks the standard utility allowance that states use when they calculate benefit amounts.
County Guidance And A Short Deadline
Cuyahoga County's Hunger Response Team and Job and Family Services have posted an FAQ and pushed details on Facebook, telling residents that proof of work activity or proof of an exemption has to be submitted by March 1. The county FAQ, revised Jan. 14, 2026, lays out who still qualifies for an exemption and what steps residents should follow, according to Cuyahoga County.
How Work Activity Is Defined And Documented
Under the updated rules, most adults labeled as able-bodied must work or take part in approved activities about 20 hours per week (roughly 80 hours per month). Paid employment, qualifying training programs, or community service can all count toward that total. For unpaid hours, residents must get them documented on the state form. The Ohio Administrative Code instructs county agencies to use the JFS-7410 "ABAWD Verification of Unpaid Hours" for that documentation, according to the Ohio Administrative Code.
Where To Send Paperwork And Who To Call
Residents can upload verification documents through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal, or they can mail or hand-deliver paperwork to local Job and Family Services offices, including the Virgil E. Brown building at 1641 Payne Ave in Cleveland. For detailed instructions and drop-box locations, see Cuyahoga Job and Family Services. For problems with the Ohio Direction EBT card, call 1-866-386-3071, and Way2Go (cash) cardholders can call 1-855-926-2105 for help, according to local JFS guidance and county resources.
Consequences And How To Regain Benefits
Adults who do not meet the work requirement are limited to three months of SNAP in a three-year period before their benefits are cut off. Local reporting notes that counties began enforcing the new rules in early 2026 and that some terminations could begin in May. To get benefits back, a person generally must work 80 hours over 30 consecutive days, newly qualify for an exemption, or wait until the three-year limit resets, as reported by Signal Cleveland.
Local Help And Next Steps
County materials list community partners such as United Way's 2-1-1 line and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which can help households facing gaps while they gather and submit verification documents. For pantry hours and other assistance, visit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank or call 2-1-1. Residents are also encouraged to enroll in the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to keep up with case updates.
If you think the new rules might apply to you, create an account at the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov) and make sure your contact information is up to date so county staff can reach you about notices. If you need help, contact your local Job and Family Services office or use the EBT and county assistance phone numbers listed on the county site.
