We’ve created a communications toolkit to help organizations support their communities during the SNAP uncertainties. Download the kit on the left sidebar, and using community resources links below.
The situation
This work began to help SNAP beneficiaries and organizations prepare for upcoming work requirement changes and required actions. The federal shutdown has complicated a new and already difficult to navigate process. We cover both shutdown communications and what's next in this toolkit.
The front end of this toolkit and the accompanying communications assets are focused on addressing lapses in SNAP due to the federal government shutdown and changes to SNAP that begin November 1. The toolkit will continue to be updated as we learn more.
Federal shutdown and the SNAP lapse
While this toolkit is focused on changes to SNAP and Medicaid stemming from the passage of H.R.1 in July, it is being released in the midst of a federal government shutdown with a profound impact on SNAP and food access.
Here are important points to know:
- SNAP benefits will not be issued beginning November 1 and are delayed until funding is restored and the federal government shutdown ends.
- Cuyahoga Job and Family Services offices remain open and processing applications and documentation to support residents so they receive benefits as soon as SNAP funding is restored.
- Even if funding becomes available from a federal, state, or local source, there may be delays in benefit processing that cause a lapse in access to SNAP for families.
- Current guidance states that benefits on EBT cards on October 31 can be used in November.
- Once funding is restored, November SNAP benefits should be issued retroactively.
- Other programs, such as WIC food benefits and local operations, TANF, childcare assistance, and Medicaid, should not be impacted in early November.
- Help is available. Our community is ramping up to meet the increased urgent need for food assistance at least through the first weeks of November.
Local resources for help
Call 2-1-1 or Chat at 211oh.org: County government, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, and others are partnering with 2-1-1 to ensure information is updated including how to connect with Cuyahoga Job and Family Services and where to go for help during the SNAP lapse.
Community Resource Center offers a one-stop shop with a free healthy-choice market and 15+ onsite agency partners who can assist with healthcare, employment, housing and more.
GCFB Help Center is dedicated to connecting food-insecure individuals with the assistance they need, including over-the-phone applications for SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefits. Calls are free and confidential at 216-738-2067.
Pantry Locator Tool allows you to enter your ZIP code to generate a list of partners that serve your area with food pantries, hot meals, and mobile distributions.
Reassure your community with clear messages and actions to take
To best support our community members, it’s important to focus on what’s changing now and what actions people can take right away. This section highlights key messages you can use across different communication channels, all of which are reflected in the templates throughout this toolkit.
Initial messages
- Don’t panic. Our organization can help you understand the changes and stay covered.
Work requirement preparations
- Changes are coming to SNAP. New federal rules will affect who qualifies, what’s required, and how benefits are managed.
- These changes may impact your eligibility, benefit amount, or renewal process. We’ll help you navigate what’s new. Or connect you to people who can.
- Congress passed a federal law that changes how SNAP works. These changes began to take effect November 1, 2025 (or whatever new date is named).
- If you receive SNAP, you may need to meet new work requirements or submit additional paperwork.
- Some current enrollees may no longer qualify for SNAP. We will work to connect you with available resources in our community.
Establish the changes
- Congress passed a federal law that changes how SNAP works. These changes began to take effect November 1, 2025.
- If you receive Medicaid or SNAP, you may need to meet new work requirements or submit additional paperwork.
- Some current enrollees may no longer qualify for Medicaid or SNAP. We will work to connect you with available resources in our community.
Where to get help
- You can sign up for text alerts to be notified of changes as they happen. To receive text alerts you can sign up online using the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or by calling 1-844-640-6446. Be ready to provide your zip code, social security number, and date of birth.
What are the changes, requirements, exemption rules?
SNAP’s three-month time limit, which limits recipients to receiving SNAP for only 3 months out of every 3 years now applies to all adults aged 18-64, unless they are living with a child under age 14, participating in work activities for 20 hours a week, or are otherwise exempt.
- Older Adults: If you are under 64 years old, you may need to meet new requirements and/or submit new documentation.
- Adults aged 55–59 are now subject to the SNAP general work requirement or meet an exemption. The work requirement includes 80 hours of work activities (paid, unpaid, or volunteering) or 80 hours participating in a work program or a combination of the two totaling 80 hours.
- Adults aged 60-64 are now subject to the SNAP time requirement where they can only receive benefits for a three-month period once every three years.
- Parents of children aged 14 and older are subject to work requirements. This is a major change from previous rules. If all the children you care for are older than 13, you may need to meet new requirements and/or submit new documentation.
- Previously veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth (those aged 24 or younger and in foster care on their 18th birthday) were exempt from work requirements. If one of these categories applies to you, you may need to meet new eligibility requirements and submit new documentation.
- The only non-citizens still eligible for SNAP are U.S. non-citizen nationals, lawful permanent residents after 5 years, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and migrants from the Compact of Free Association. All other legal immigrants, including refugees and asylum recipients, are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits.
- If you believe you may have been incorrectly discontinued, please reach out to the Cuyahoga County Welcome Center.
- Work can include paid employment, volunteer hours, treatment programs, or education programs
Individuals may meet an exemption from work requirements that requires them to submit documentation if they are:
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Caring for a child under 14 or incapacitated person
- Participating in an alcohol or drug treatment program
- In school or training program but may need to submit documentation.
Email strategy and templates
Nonprofits and community partners can support clients through a phased email campaign that delivers timely, relevant, and actionable information. The email templates in this toolkit are designed to guide communication efforts across three stages: preparing for change, taking action, and staying on track. Each message should be adapted to reflect your organization’s voice, timing, and formatting preferences.
Prepare recipients for changes and actions to take
Subject lines:
- Important: New SNAP requirements – take action now
- SNAP requirements are changing – stay informed
- Changes to SNAP are coming. Here’s what to do.
Email Body:
A new federal law will change how SNAP benefits work for many people. These changes may affect:
- Who qualifies
- What’s required to stay enrolled
- How benefits are renewed or managed
Here’s what you need to know:
- Adults aged 55–64 are now subject to SNAP work requirements.
- Parents of children aged 14 and older, without younger children, must meet work requirements.
- Veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth may no longer be exempt from work requirements.
- Legal immigrants, including refugees and asylum recipients, may lose access to SNAP.
- You may not need to meet work requirements if you have a medical condition, disability, are enrolled in treatment, or caregiving. If you meet these criteria, submit documentation to CJFS right away.
What to do now:
- Make sure your contact info is up to date with CJFS.
- Watch for notices from CJFS and respond quickly.
- If you think you qualify for an exemption, submit proof to CJFS.
Sign up for alerts to avoid missing deadlines.
Make sure you are notified of changes as they happen. To receive text alerts you can sign up online using the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal.
- You can also sign up for text alerts by calling 1-844-640-6446
- Select your preferred language
- Select option 2 for help with Medical, food, cash or childcare
- Enter your zip code, social security number, and date of birth
- The system will read you a status of your benefits
- In the self-service menu, press 2 for text alerts
Download, print, or customize an information sheet with instructions
Text strategy and templates
Text messaging is an effective way to reach participants with timely updates and clear calls to action. SMS can reinforce key messages, guide recipients to helpful resources, and encourage early engagement with new requirements. To maximize impact, SMS campaigns should work alongside other outreach methods like email, flyers, and direct mail. As you plan your messaging strategy, keep these best practices in mind:
Keep messages under 160 characters to ensure compatibility across all devices.
- Use shortened URLs to link users to detailed information or tools.
- Schedule messages thoughtfully; mid-morning or early evening tends to yield better engagement.
Text templates
- Big changes are coming to SNAP. Learn what’s new and how to stay covered: [SHORT URL]
- New rules may affect your benefits. Learn what’s changing: [SHORT URL]
- SNAP rules are changing. Update your info and sign up for alerts: [SHORT URL]
Social media posts and templates
Social media is a vital tool for reaching a wide audience with fast, accessible updates. The sample posts and graphics below are designed to help organizations share key updates in a clear and engaging way. These posts should help clients understand what actions they need to take and where to find support.
More resources
Greater Cleveland Area Food Bank Resources
Ohio Association of Food Banks FAQ
Cuyahoga County Federal Shutdown FAQ
USDA Food and Nutrition Service FAQ about SNAP Eligibility
2-1-1 available 24/7
CuyahogaWelcomeCenter@jfs.ohio.gov | 216-635-2931
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