10/29/2025
Pregnant and worried about losing access to SNAP benefits November 1st??
🌟While pregnant individuals are listed among the exemptions for the “work requirements” related to benefit access
—- it is important to recognize that due to the federal government shutdown, the USDA has told states to suspend November SNAP benefit allotments starting Nov 1 unless funding resumes. That means NO new benefits may be issued in November, REGARDLESS of whether someone is pregnant or not.
🌟 The risk of not receiving SNAP in November due to the funding lapse appears to apply broadly to all SNAP recipients — including pregnant women — because the issue is about benefit issuance, not just eligibility.
🌟 What You Can Do / What to Watch
• If you’re pregnant and on SNAP, make sure your exemption status is documented with your SNAP caseworker — that way, the system recognizes that you shouldn’t be subject to the ABAWD work rule.
• Keep an eye on your EBT balance: any unspent benefits from October may (in many states) still be usable, depending on how the suspension is handled. (But note: not all states have given the same guidance.)
• Look for local food assistance resources (food banks, WIC, community programs) just in case the SNAP disruption affects you. ✨We will list some resources in comment section. 💕
🌟Here’s where things are a bit tricky: Ohio’s ABAWD rule is tied to “able-bodied adults without dependents.” Because “without dependents” is part of the definition, in many states pregnancy alone does not count as a “dependent” in this context. (Dependent typically means someone in the household who relies on you financially, like a child.) I found no clear Ohio rule that explicitly lists “pregnant” as an exemption under the ABAWD rule. That said, caseworkers have some discretion, and “good cause” or “medical condition” could potentially be used to argue an exemption — but this is not guaranteed and would depend heavily on how the county JFS office interprets and applies the rule.
🌟 Do monitor updates from your state SNAP office — they may have more state-specific guidance or contingency plans.
If you need support, resources, or assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us OHMI Midwives.
XO, Shelly Varelli, Lisa Baldwin, & Amber Sattler Harmon
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Here’s a link to find food resources ⬇️ Or reach out to one of local church organizations or other resources that might be hosting a food drive to either donate money, items, or volunteer.
Here is one local option: ://www.toledofoodbank.org/
https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Find the Feeding America member food bank nearest you. Over 200 member food banks can connect you with free food, food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries in your community.
