Ohio residents who qualify for food stamps, now known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits, receive their payments according to the same schedule every month, based on the last digit of their case number.

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SNAP is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income households. Although it is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program is administered by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (DJFS).

Eligibility for food assistance in Ohio depends on household size and income. You can apply for SNAP benefits online at Benefits.Ohio.gov or submit a completed paper application to your county SNAP office. You can also file a SNAP application through your local Ohio Benefit Bank website.

Once approved for SNAP, benefits are deposited monthly into SNAP accounts linked to your Ohio Direction Card, Ohio’s version of electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. This card works just like a debit card and can be swiped at the register in stores or used online.

Your Direction Card can be used for discounts on certain products and services. Ohio SNAP recipients can sign up for an Amazon Prime EBT discounted subscription for $6.99 per month, which is about 50% off. Your EBT card can also be used for free or discounted admission to hundreds of museums, aquariums and zoos in Ohio and nationwide. If you need help with your phone service bill, the federal Lifeline program provides free or low-cost landline or cell phone service.

Benefits are deposited onto Ohio Direction Cards between the 2nd and the 20th of every month, based on the last digit of your case number. Here is the Ohio SNAP deposit schedule for February 2023:

Direction Cards can be used anywhere you see the Ohio Direction Card sticker, including most grocery stores and some retailers. You can also use your EBT card at farmers’ markets to purchase fresh produce. Ohio SNAP customers can receive up to $25 per visit in free fruits and vegetables through Produce Perks. This program matches SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar. For example, if you spend $25 on tokens at a participating market, you’ll receive an additional $25 worth of tokens.

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SNAP recipients can use their Direction Cards to purchase these food items:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat

Among the items you can’t buy with SNAP benefits are alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals and other non-food items.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: SNAP Schedule: When Ohio Direction Card Benefits Are Sent in February