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Oregon Encourages SNAP Applications as Holiday Jobs May Help Residents Keep or Regain Benefits

Oregon officials are encouraging residents to apply for SNAP food assistance ahead of the holidays. Seasonal jobs may also help some recipients meet federal work requirements or regain benefits they previously lost. Here's what Oregonians should know about eligibility and upcoming changes.

Oregon Encourages SNAP Applications as Holiday Jobs May Help Residents Keep or Regain Benefits

With the holiday season approaching, the Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging residents who are not currently receiving food assistance to check whether they qualify for benefits, including those who may have lost assistance in the past.

In an announcement Wednesday, October 28, the agency said seasonal employment could also help some Oregonians meet federal work requirements needed to continue receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

SNAP provides monthly assistance to eligible households to help pay for groceries. ODHS is encouraging people to apply before the holidays to allow time for their applications to be processed, although processing times vary and approval is not guaranteed.

For people already receiving benefits, temporary jobs during the holiday season could provide additional income while helping them meet federal work requirements.

"Seasonal employment can be an opportunity to earn extra income while also helping people meet SNAP work or activity rules," said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS interim Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director. "If you've started a new job, picked up additional hours or are planning to work during the holidays, contact us. We can help you understand how your work and income affect your SNAP benefits and what steps you may need to take."

How Seasonal Employment Can Affect SNAP Benefits

Under federal rules, certain adults between the ages of 18 and 64 must complete at least 80 hours of work or other qualifying activities each month to continue receiving SNAP benefits, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Seasonal jobs at retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, Christmas tree farms and other businesses preparing for the holidays may count toward those requirements.

People who take on a second job or increase their working hours may also be able to use that employment to meet the monthly requirement.

However, additional earnings can affect the amount of SNAP assistance a household receives. ODHS reminds recipients that income changes must be reported when required so their benefits can be calculated correctly.

Those who previously lost SNAP benefits because they did not meet work requirements may also be eligible to receive assistance again. Depending on their circumstances, they may need to reapply and provide information showing they now meet the requirements.

The agency encourages anyone uncertain about their eligibility or employment hours to contact its SNAP work requirements team for assistance.

Changes to Oregon Health Plan Requirements Coming in 2027

ODHS is also reminding residents about upcoming federal work or activity requirements affecting the Oregon Health Plan, the state's Medicaid program.

Those requirements are scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Some Oregon residents may have already received letters from the Oregon Health Authority explaining the upcoming changes.

According to ODHS, people who qualify for an exemption from SNAP work or activity requirements are automatically exempt from the Oregon Health Plan work or activity requirements.

Residents who believe they may qualify for an exemption are encouraged to contact ODHS before the new requirements take effect. Staff can review individual circumstances and help determine whether an exemption applies.

Keep Contact Information Updated

With federal benefit requirements changing, ODHS is also reminding recipients to make sure their mailing addresses and other contact information are current.

Letters from ODHS or the Oregon Health Authority may contain important information about eligibility, reporting requirements, deadlines or actions needed to continue receiving assistance.

The agency recommends opening and reading notices carefully, responding to requests for information before deadlines and contacting the appropriate agency when instructions are unclear.

Missing a notice could result in someone failing to provide information needed to maintain their benefits.

How to Apply or Get Assistance

Oregonians who are not currently receiving SNAP benefits, including those who previously lost assistance, can apply online or contact a local ODHS office.

People with questions about SNAP benefits and how the federal public charge rule may affect immigrants can also contact the Oregon Law Center's Public Benefits Hotline at 800-520-5292.

ODHS encourages residents to seek assistance promptly if their employment, income or household circumstances change, or if they have questions about maintaining or regaining their benefits.

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