Some Oregon SNAP and TANF Recipients Must Provide Income Information by Sept. 28

Some Oregonians who receive food or cash assistance need to provide updated income information by Monday, Sept. 28, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

ODHS began mailing “Missing Information” notices Sept. 16 and expects about 11,000 people to receive one by the end of this week. The notices concern some recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). As of Aug. 30, 639,261 people in Oregon received SNAP.

Receiving a notice does not automatically mean someone will lose benefits. An eligibility worker will review the information provided and determine whether a household’s benefits should change. If ODHS does not receive the requested information by Sept. 28, benefits may be reduced or a case may close beginning with October benefits.

“We know SNAP rules and reporting requirements can be complicated, and receiving a notice asking for more information can be concerning,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, interim director of the Oregon Eligibility Partnership. She urged recipients to respond so staff can review their cases, answer questions, and make sure they receive the benefits for which they qualify.

What to do if you receive a notice

• Read the notice. It explains what income information ODHS needs and lists the deadline for your case.
• Submit the requested information by Sept. 28. You do not need to contact your employer to respond.
• Respond even if you think the information is wrong. An eligibility worker can review it with you and help resolve any differences.
• Contact ODHS even if you miss the deadline. The agency says a worker may still be able to help.

Do not ignore the notice. If ODHS does not receive a response, SNAP and TANF benefits, if applicable, will close on the date listed in it.

How to get help

Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075 to speak with an eligibility worker, or use the ODHS office finder to locate a nearby office.

ODHS also has a guide to which SNAP changes must be reported and how to report them, including changes in income and household circumstances.

Why ODHS is checking income

ODHS is comparing income reported to the agency with earnings information available through The Work Number, an employment and income verification database. Some SNAP households received a notice because their reported income was below 130% of the federal poverty level, while the database suggested their income might be at or above that level. If a household also receives TANF, its notice includes information about both programs.

The agency says the checks are intended to help households receive the correct benefit amount and are part of its effort to lower Oregon’s SNAP payment error rate.

ODHS expects to conduct additional income checks over the next 12 to 15 months. It has not finalized the timing of those checks.