Ohio work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

What the 80-hour rule means in Ohio, who runs it, and where to send your proof.

🛒 SNAP in Ohio

Called Food Assistance (SNAP), run by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS); administered by county JFS agencies.

Adults 18–64 without a child under 14 at home need 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or training, or an exemption, to keep SNAP past 3 months in 3 years.

🩺 Medicaid in Ohio

Expansion coverage is called Ohio Medicaid Group VIII (expansion adults, a.k.a. MAGI Adult / Ribicoff). Ohio expanded Medicaid, so the work rule applies to adults 19–64 in the expansion group, starting January 1, 2027.

Run by Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM).

📌 Group VIII (expansion) work and community engagement requirement starts 2027-01-01; Ohio says it will not request a good-faith extension. Ohio's 2025 1115 work-requirement waiver remains pending. SNAP: no ABAWD time-limit waiver in effect as of 2026-10-01 per USDA FNS; time limit applies statewide. Ohio rules now call ABAWDs 'able-bodied adults (ABA)'.

Where to report and upload proof

Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal: report changes and upload documents
Food Assistance (SNAP) work rules (official)
Ohio Medicaid Group VIII (expansion adults, a.k.a. MAGI Adult / Ribicoff) (official)

Always follow the deadlines in the letters Ohio sends you. If you get a notice about work requirements, answer it before the due date, even if you think you’re exempt.

What counts toward 80 hours

Paid work, including gig work like delivery or rideshare
Volunteering or community service (usually with a nonprofit or public agency)
Job training or a work program, including SNAP Employment & Training
For Medicaid: school at least half-time, or monthly income of at least $580

Check if you’re exempt · How to prove volunteer hours

Keep proof of every hour

my80hours is a free app that logs your hours, saves photos of pay stubs and sign-in sheets, gets volunteer letters signed, and makes a PDF for your caseworker. No sign-up. Your info stays on your phone.

Start my free log

State details last checked October 10, 2026.

This page explains federal rules as of October 10, 2026. It is not legal advice and my80hours is not a government site. Your state sets many details, so always follow the notices your state sends you, and ask your caseworker or a legal aid office if you’re unsure.

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