Food & Nutrition

Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, once known as Food Stamps), helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Oregon pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Oregon Trail Card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Oregon to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Oregon SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is run by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). ODHS field offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Oregon?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or ODHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Oregon SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Oregon SNAP online, in person, or by fax or mail. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or in-person interview with an ODHS case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most Oregon SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your Oregon Trail Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

You must be an Oregon resident and a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with a certain legal status.
You must have a Social Security number (or have applied for one).
If you're an adult without kids under 18 and you're able to work, you might have to work or take part in a work program to continue getting SNAP benefits.
College students are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet certain requirements.

The amount of money you will get in Oregon SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Oregon SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Oregon, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction, based on household size
Dependent care expenses
Certain housing expenses
Certain utility expenses
Legally obligated child support
Medical expenses in excess of $35 per month (for older adults and people with disabilities)

What are the Oregon SNAP asset limits?

Assets refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate).

There is generally no asset limit for SNAP in Oregon. If your household has a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability, and you did not meet the gross income test, you can alternatively qualify under the federal program rules. Under these rules, there is no gross income limit but there is an asset limit of $4,500.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. To apply for Oregon SNAP, you will need the following for everyone in your household (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Identification for you or the head of the household (a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security numbers, birthdates, and proof of citizenship status for each person in the household
How much money each household member has in cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, etc.
Your household's monthly bills, including child care, child support, and care for adults with disabilities
Medical bills for anyone over 60 or who has a disability
Proof of income for each person (pay stubs, etc.)
Paperwork or IDs from other benefits you receive, like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your SNAP application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Oregon

There are several ways to apply for Oregon SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the ONE Oregon portal (also available as an app you can download from the Google Play Store or App Store). You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through ONE Oregon Portal

To apply online:

Go to the ONE Oregon website.
- If you already have an account, click on ‘Click here to sign in.’
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password.
Answer a few more questions to complete the user verification process.
Once you've verified your identity, you’ll see the ‘Let’s Get Started’ screen. Read through the information and click 'Accept.'
On the next screen, check the box next to 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)' and then click ‘Next.’
Follow the prompts to complete your SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
For assistance, call the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075 (all relay calls are accepted).
If English is not your primary language, click on the drop-down menu at the top right of your screen and choose the correct language. You can also view this guide with information on how to get help from an interpreter.

APPLY IN PERSON

To apply in person, download and print the paper SNAP application below. Complete as much of the form as you can and take your verification documents with you to your local ODHS office (find your nearest location). You can also pick up a form when you arrive at the office.

APPLY BY MAIL, EMAIL, OR FAX

To apply by mail, email, or fax, download and print a paper application and then mail or fax it to your nearest ODHS office. You can also email it to SSP.StatewideWorkshare@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Don't have a printer? Call your local ODHS office or 1-800-699-9075/ 711 (TTY) to have a paper application mailed to you.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Oregon SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent and you can show proof of your identity. You must meet at least one of the following conditions to receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance:

Your household’s income is less than $150 per month and your household’s cash and bank accounts total no more than $100.
The total of your monthly income, cash and money in the bank is less than your total housing and utility costs for a month.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and have very little money.

Need food today? Visit the Oregon Food Bank website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Oregon SNAP application. You can:

Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075.
Contact the Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-673-2372.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Oregon?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, an ODHS case worker will contact you for an interview (also called an “intake appointment”). This interview can take place in person or over the phone. They can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from the agency, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your ODHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Oregon SNAP, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Oregon, that period is 12 months, with a Periodic Report due at 6 months. Households where all members are age 60+ and have no income are certified for 24 months, with a Period Report due at month 12.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Oregon Trail Card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, SNAP benefits will be deposited between the 1st and 9th of every month based on the last digit of your Social Security number.

Other important tips to know

What if my Oregon SNAP application is denied?

Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for requesting an appeal if you do not agree with the decision. You must make this request within 60 days of receiving the decision.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can log in to ONE Oregon to check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my Oregon Trail EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, have your card number ready and call 1-888-997-4447. You can also visit the EBTEdge website to manage your card. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount within 10 days of the change. Look at your Eligibility Notice to see what you need to report and when. You can find these notices in your Message Center on the ONE Oregon website.

Reportable changes may include:

An increase in household income
Reduced work hours
Lottery or gambling winnings

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Oregon?

Oregon SNAP households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a renewal package. It will contain information on how to renew your benefits, which can be done online, in person, by phone, or by mail or fax.

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