Are you an individual or family living in Oregon and seeking food assistance? The Oregon Food Stamps program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is here to support you. This program provides crucial food benefits to help eligible Oregon residents afford groceries and maintain a healthy diet.
Who is Eligible for Oregon Food Stamps?
To qualify for Oregon SNAP benefits, you must meet specific criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the general requirements and specific categories:
General Eligibility:
- Residency: You must live in Oregon.
- Income Guidelines: Eligibility is primarily based on income. Importantly, your assets like your house, car, or savings typically do not count against your eligibility. For detailed income guidelines, it’s best to check the official Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) website, as these guidelines are subject to change.
It’s important to note that for individuals aged 18 to 52 who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), there might be time limits on how long you can receive SNAP benefits. You can find more information about these time limits on the ODHS website.
Do You Need Help Determining Your Eligibility?
Navigating eligibility requirements can be confusing. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for Oregon Food Stamps, it’s recommended to reach out to your local ODHS office or visit their website. They have resources and staff available to assist you in understanding the requirements and starting your application process.
Specific Eligibility Categories:
Oregon SNAP recognizes that different groups may have unique circumstances affecting their eligibility. Here’s how SNAP eligibility applies to specific populations:
College and Higher Education Students:
Students aged 18 to 49 enrolled in higher education for more than half-time usually have specific eligibility rules. “Higher education” includes colleges, universities, trade schools, and technical schools. Generally, students must meet an exemption to be eligible for SNAP. In Oregon, exemptions for higher education students include those who are:
- Working or self-employed for more than 20 hours per week (including internships, assistantships, and fellowships).
- Participating in federal or state-funded work-study programs.
- Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Receiving Unemployment Compensation.
- In school due to employer-sponsored training.
- Participating in an Employment Department Training Program.
- Enrolled in a program of study that leads to employment.
- Responsible for the care of a child under 6 in a one- or two-parent household.
- Responsible for the care of a child between 6 and 12 in a one- or two-parent household, and the ODHS has determined that adequate childcare is not available, preventing the student from attending class or working 20 hours a week.
- A single parent responsible for the care of a child under 12.
Even if a student meets an exemption, they must still meet all other general SNAP eligibility requirements.
Older Adults:
Oregon SNAP provides specific considerations for older adults:
- Medical Expense Deduction: Adults aged 60 or older can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses from their income, potentially increasing their SNAP benefit amount. Proof of medical costs is required.
- Benefit Delivery Options: Adults 65 or older in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties can receive SNAP benefits via direct deposit, check, or EBT card for easier access.
- Authorized Representatives: For older adults who may have difficulty shopping, a trusted person can be designated as an authorized representative to purchase food using their SNAP benefits. An alternate payee form is available for this purpose.
- Shelter Costs: Older adults may have their full shelter costs considered when calculating their SNAP benefits, potentially leading to higher benefit amounts.
Eligible Non-Citizens:
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive Oregon Food Stamps. Eligible non-citizen categories include:
- Refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Asylees, Amerasian immigrants, individuals granted withholding of deportation, Hmong or Highland Laotians, parolees (for at least one year), and conditional entrants.
- “North American Indians born in Canada” as defined by U.S. law.
- Citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau living in the U.S. under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
- Certain survivors of human trafficking and their children or parents.
- U.S. veterans honorably discharged, their spouses, and unmarried dependent children.
- Non-citizens on active duty in the U.S. military, their spouses, and unmarried dependent children.
- Non-citizens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year.
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in the U.S. for at least five years.
- LPRs receiving certain disability benefits.
- LPRs under 18 years of age.
SNAP Benefits and Immigration Status:
Receiving Oregon SNAP benefits will not negatively impact your immigration status. It will not affect your ability to:
- Stay in the U.S.
- Get Lawful Permanent Resident (green card) status.
- Maintain your green card status.
- Become a U.S. citizen.
Participation in the SNAP program is not considered under the public charge rule.
Take the Next Step:
If you believe you may be eligible for Oregon Food Stamps, we encourage you to explore this vital resource. Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website or contact your local office to learn more and begin your application process. Access to nutritious food is a fundamental need, and Oregon SNAP is here to help.
