Updated: 11/1/2025
For the most current information, go to jfs.ohio.gov

If the federal shutdown continues, will SNAP benefits be issued for November?

• No. As of November 1, 2025, all November SNAP benefit allotments are suspended until sufficient federal funding is provided or until the federal government issues further direction. This includes fair hearing benefits for November.

Will OWF benefits be issued for November?

• Yes. OWF benefits will be issued for November 2025.

What will happen if I apply for SNAP in November?

• If you apply for SNAP in November, your county JFS agency will process your application normally. If you are eligible, you will receive an approval notice, but November SNAP benefit allotments are suspended until sufficient federal funding is provided or until the federal government issues further direction.

What if I applied before November but my application is still pending?

• If you applied for SNAP prior to November but your application is pending, the county agency will process your application normally. We are waiting to hear from the federal government if benefits you are eligible for prior to November can be issued before the shutdown ends.

​How can I check my case/benefits? 

• You can log into the Ohio Benefits self-service portal at benefits.ohio.gov or call 1-844-640-6446 to speak to someone about your case. You can also call the number on the back of your EBT card or use the Connect EBT app to get balance information.

Do I have fair hearing rights on the suspension of benefits due to the federal government shutdown?

• No. Per the federal government, there are no fair hearing rights on the suspension of benefits.

Can I still redeem SNAP benefits received prior to November 1, 2025?

• Yes. You may continue to use benefits issued to your EBT card prior to November 1, 2025, at any SNAP-authorized retailer. The suspension applies only to November 2025 benefits and does not impact any prior benefits. The use of benefits at eligible retailers is not impacted.

Will my county JFS office remain open?

• At this time, county JFS offices will remain open.

Do I need to meet my requirements in November?

• Yes. You are required to maintain all program requirements to remain eligible for any retroactive benefits that may be issued at the conclusion of the federal shutdown.

Where can I go to get help with food?

• Your local food bank or food pantry may be able to help meet your food needs. To find your local food bank or pantry, go to ohiofoodbanks.org

The Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) Child Support Division is proud to support creativity and connection through art—one drawing at a time. We are excited to invite local children to participate in the statewide coloring contest for the 2027 Children’s Sticker Calendar.

This annual contest offers kids across Ohio the chance to have their artwork featured in a calendar designed to help families stay organized with visitations, appointments, and other important milestones. The 2026 calendar cover, in fact, features the vibrant artwork of Eleanor Wright—one of our very own young artists right here in Champaign County.

Now, we’re looking for the next round of creative submissions!

How to Participate:
Children may submit an original, hand-drawn piece of art—or choose to color one of the attached templates. All entries must follow these guidelines:

• Artwork must be on 8.5" x 11" white paper, landscape orientation
• Each drawing should include the child’s first name and age
• A photo release form (below) must be signed and submitted as a separate document (do not print it on the back of the coloring page)
• Optional: use the blank coloring sheet or included coloring book page

Submissions may be selected for the 2027 Children’s Sticker Calendar or for other Child Support Awareness Month materials.

We look forward to seeing the imagination and talent of Champaign County’s youth shine through their artwork!

For questions or to return completed entries and signed release forms, please contact the Champaign County DJFS Child Support Division.

Together, let’s inspire creativity and celebrate the importance of family connection.

To the Residents of Champaign County: The Champaign County Department of Job & Family Services and the Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services Board of Logan and Champaign Counties, will hold a Title XX Public Hearing beginning at 4:00p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1512 S. US Hwy 68, Suite N100, Urbana. The purpose of this hearing is to provide opportunity for input as to the Social Service needs of Champaign County and review the agencies proposed plans for program years beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027.

We want to encourage citizen participation in planning for public social services and, as such, you are cordially invited to attend this public hearing. Whether you are a member for an advocacy group, an agency representative, or a Champaign County citizen, your views and comments are important to our planning process. Should you desire to give testimony at the hearing, it is requested that you contact Stacy Cox, Champaign County Department of Job & Family Services (937) 484-1500 ext. 2758 or Adam Sorensen, Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services board of Logan and Champaign Counties, (937) 465-1045 so we may allow time for you.

Written testimony may be sent to either of the agencies listed above – please contact them for mailing address. If you do not desire to provide testimony, you are still encouraged to attend to see how the planning process works.

As social service agencies for YOU, we are looking forward to seeing you at the Public Hearing and, hopefully through our mutual effort, we can develop a meaningful service plan for the citizens for Champaign County.

Stacy Cox, Director
Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services

Adam Sorensen, Executive Director
Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services Board of Logan and Champaign Counties

This notice is given to inform you that the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services’ Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Plan is currently in the process of being amended. Once amendments are finalized and signed by the Director, the amended plan will be located on our website at http://www.champaigndjfs.org/.

“ODJFS takes fraud very seriously, and we are committed to identifying and eliminating fraud in the SNAP program,” Damschroder said. “From increased fraud monitoring efforts to helping SNAP cardholders lock their cards, we’re aggressively working to reduce fraud.”

Criminals have increasingly used a process called skimming to steal account numbers. This involves placing a device over a point-of-sale card reader to copy payment card information. A report from the FICO credit scoring agency shows that card skimming grew 368% from 2021 to 2022.

Recent stories from WEWS and USA Today provide more context on the impact of this issue locally and nationally.
ODJFS takes a number of measures to prevent and detect fraud, including:

• PIN reminders – ODJFS provides multiple reminders to SNAP recipients – via robocalls, text messages, and on-hold messages – to protect their PINs and EBT cards.
• External partner communications – ODJFS provides partners such as the Ohio Grocers Association with fraud prevention tip sheets to help them identify and stop fraudulent activity.
• County Fraud Control and Prevention Plans – ODJFS works with county JFS agencies to address fraud prevention efforts and educate communities about what fraud is, how to prevent it, and its consequences.
• Strategic partnerships – ODJFS provides information on suspicious SNAP retailer activity to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. These are the main entities charged with identifying and investigating SNAP retailer fraud in Ohio.
• Data analytics – ODJFS utilizes a variety of anti-fraud tools to analyze data and detect fraud, including daily monitoring of SNAP retailer transactions for suspicious activity. The agency also checks numerous state and national databases to ensure recipients are who they say they are and are eligible for benefits.

The best way to keep from being a victim is to be vigilant. Here are some tips for SNAP recipients:

• Manage your benefits through the secure ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone or tablet.
  • Users should take advantage of the card lock option, which allows the individual to lock the card from being used at a retailer location and unlock the card to provide access to benefits only while the individual makes a purchase.
  • Users are able to block out-of-statetransactions to in-person only.
• Create a PIN for your card that is unique and difficult to guess.
• Change your PIN monthly, before each scheduled deposit.
• Never share your card number or PIN. ODJFS will never ask for these numbers.
• Carefully examine point-of-sale card readers before using them to check for skimming devices.
• When using your card, cover the keypad with your body or hand to stop others from seeing your PIN.

ODJFS takes a variety of actions to prevent SNAP fraud and recover funds fraudulently obtained. Those whose benefits were stolen electronically can request reimbursement. Since Oct. 1, 2022, ODJFS has issued more than $1.4 million in reimbursements to approximately 3,400 Ohioans.

Individuals who have had their benefits stolen electronically can seek reimbursement by contacting their local County Department of Job and Family Services.

For more information about how Ohioans can protect their accounts, visit jfs.ohio.gov/cash-food-and-refugee-assistance/Protect+Against+Fraud.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, child care, child and adult protective services, adoption, and child support services.