Ohio benefits for college students

Food assistance: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Ohio's name for SNAP, run by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), through county departments of job and family services. If you are enrolled at least half-time, you need a student exemption to qualify, such as working 20 hours a week, work-study or caring for a young child. If you are enrolled less than half-time, the student rule does not apply and only the regular SNAP rules do. See every exemption →

Ohio's SNAP student rule (Ohio Adm. Code 5101:4-6-04, effective July 1, 2025) counts as a state-approved employment and training program: being enrolled in a Carl D. Perkins career and technical education program designed to be completed in four years or less at an institution of higher education, at an accredited school, with a major that leads to an in-demand occupation on Ohio's Top Jobs list (topjobs.ohio.gov). The school completes the JFS 07600 'Student Verification' form. The rule also counts SNAP E&T placements in career and technical education, or in remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language, plus programs under WIOA and the Trade Act.

Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Health coverage: Ohio Medicaid

Ohio has expanded Medicaid, so adults with low incomes, students included, can qualify based on income. All your health coverage options →

Ohio Medicaid says a new Work and Community Engagement Requirement starts January 1, 2027 for Group VIII (expansion) adults aged 19-64 (80 hours a month of activities). Being enrolled at least half-time in high school, a GED course, college, or technical school counts; the school decides what half-time means.

Apply for Ohio Medicaid

Child care help: Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)

Going to college or training counts as an approved activity in this state. Every caretaker in the home must be in a qualifying activity. The list (Appendix A to Ohio Adm. Code 5180:6-1-02) includes post-secondary education that is part of a course of study leading to a degree, certificate, or license: college classes, federal work-study, technical and vocational classes, approved by an accredited or state-authorized school. You must keep satisfactory participation as your school defines it. Online classes count for as many hours a week as the course requires. Initial income limit is 145% of the federal poverty level (150% if a child has a verified special need); families stay eligible up to 300% FPL. Children must be under 13.

Apply for Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) · Help on campus (CCAMPIS) →

Phone and internet: Lifeline

Ohio wireline Lifeline benefits (traditional local phone companies): The Ohio Consumers' Counsel says Lifeline customers of traditional landline companies get, until at least Dec. 1, 2026: waived connection fees and deposits, a $5.25 monthly basic service discount, no Universal Service Fund or number-portability charges, free toll blocking, and a payment plan for past-due bills ($25 down, the rest over six months). No extra state cash discount for wireless or broadband was found. Who qualifies →

Apply for Lifeline (Ohio wireline Lifeline benefits (traditional local phone companies))

Taxes

A nonrefundable Ohio credit equal to 30% of your federal Earned Income Tax Credit; it can lower the Ohio tax you owe but cannot create a refund on its own. The Ohio Department of Taxation's OH|TAX eServices lets you file your Ohio individual and school district income tax returns free online after signing up for an account.

Ohio earned income tax credit · Free state filing · Federal education tax credits → · Free federal filing →

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