Highland County Commissioners Hear Update on SNAP Changes

New work requirements and error rate concerns discussed

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Highland County commissioners received an update from the county's Job and Family Services director on recent policy changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including modifications to work requirements and exemptions as well as concerns over the state's SNAP error rate.

Why it matters

These SNAP policy changes will impact a number of Highland County residents who rely on the program for food assistance, and the county's ability to administer the program effectively could affect future federal funding.

The details

Effective in March, the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' passed last year removed exemptions to SNAP work requirements for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth. It also expanded the age range for the work requirement from 18-54 to 18-64. This will require the county's Job and Family Services office to track and potentially take action against some recipients who do not meet the new work requirements. Additionally, the law ties state SNAP funding to error rates, putting pressure on Ohio to lower its statewide error rate below 6% to avoid penalties.

  • The SNAP work requirement changes took effect in March 2026.
  • Medicaid work requirement changes are set to take effect in December 2026.

The players

Jeremy Ratcliff

Highland County Job and Family Services Director, who provided the update to commissioners.

Terry Britton

Highland County Commissioner.

David Daniels

Highland County Commissioner.

Brad Roades

Highland County Commissioner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If they're required to do it as an able-bodied adult, they'll be given three months of SNAP benefits in any 36-month period. You may hear people talking about countable months, meaning you were supposed to prove that you were engaged in work, volunteer service, whatever it may be, during this month. If you did not, that's one of your three.”

— Jeremy Ratcliff, Highland County Job and Family Services Director

“From my perspective, if we're allowed as a state to exclude client error cases, I think we fall below six percent tomorrow morning and are right where we need to be.”

— Jeremy Ratcliff, Highland County Job and Family Services Director

What’s next

The commissioners will decide at their March 18 meeting whether to approve a new liquor license application for the Rocky Road Sunoco in Highland County.

The takeaway

These SNAP policy changes highlight the ongoing challenges faced by local social services agencies in balancing federal requirements, client needs, and limited resources. The county's focus on reducing SNAP error rates could help protect future funding, but may also increase administrative burdens on caseworkers.