• Follow all requirements to receive the maximum benefits.veggie stand image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  The food stamp program in Ohio is known as Ohio Food Assistant Benefits. Specific requirements dictate who does and does not qualify for this type of assistance from the state. It is important to follow all requirements for Ohio food assistance benefits in order to qualify for the maximum benefits when you need them.
  
  

Income Requirement

• In order to qualify for Ohio food stamps, your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent for the country's federal guidelines for poverty. The exception to this rule is households in which one of the residents is disabled or elderly. When the income in a household is beneath this limit, or if the limit does not actually apply, the state will reveal expenses like mortgage and rent costs, water, electric, sewer, phone, child support and child care payments, and medical expenses to determine whether or not you qualify.
  
  

Application Requirements

• The only way to apply for food stamp benefits in Ohio is to fill out form JFS 7200, which is the "Request for Cash, Food, and Medical Assistance" form. Get this form from the local county department for job and family services (CDJFS). The application must be turned in to the same department from which you got it. You may also find the application through the Ohio Benefit Bank if you have a local site in your area.
  
  

Document Requirements

• A number of documents are required to apply for food stamp services in Ohio. You must furnish a Social Security number or proof that you are applying for one, proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of costs. You also must provide supporting documentation that shows all of your child care, dependent care, child support, housing, medical, and utility costs. All of the information must be fact checked by your local CDJFS office to determine that it is correct before you can receive food stamp benefits. Additional documents may also be required at the discretion of the CDJFS.
  
  

Purchase Requirements

• Ohio places limits on what can and cannot be purchased using food stamp benefits. Benefits can be used to buy only food products and foods that are intended for human consumption. Vitamins, medications, alcohol, tobacco, hot food items, and nonfood items cannot be purchased using Ohio food stamps. Food stamps cannot be sold, traded, or used to buy pet food products or products not intended for consumption by members of the household.