Thousands of Oregonians Lose SNAP Benefits After Federal Work Rule Changes

Thousands of Oregonians have now lost or seen reductions in their food benefits after changes to federal SNAP work requirements took effect, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

ODHS said 6,948 people were at risk of losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits at the end of April. Those closures and reductions have now happened. The agency said the average benefit for affected cases was about $287 per month, meaning nearly $2 million in food assistance will not be spent in Oregon communities this month.

Another 6,309 people are now at risk of losing or seeing reductions in their SNAP benefits at the end of May.

The changes are tied to federally directed work rules under HR1, which expanded the number of people subject to time limits. Adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have a child under age 14 in their SNAP household may now need to meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Under the rules, people who do not meet the requirements and do not qualify for an exemption can only receive SNAP benefits for three months within a three-year period. Each month a person does not meet the rules counts toward that limit.

ODHS said some people may not be able to prevent a June benefit loss before the end of the month, but the agency is still urging affected residents to reach out. Even if benefits stop and a person’s EBT card does not receive June funds, they may still be able to regain benefits by meeting the work rules, qualifying for an exemption or reporting a change in their situation.

“We want people to know they still have options. If you have questions about your SNAP benefits or think work rules may apply to you, your best next step is to contact us. We’re here to help,” said Nate Singer, director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership.

ODHS said it notified about 20,000 people in March that their benefits could close if they did not meet the work rules or qualify for an exemption. About 6,000 people contacted the agency and were able to keep their benefits by qualifying for an exemption or meeting the requirements.

For some people, meeting the rule can come with added challenges. ODHS said the average monthly SNAP benefit for one adult statewide is about $183. For a person required to complete 80 hours of work or qualifying activities each month, that equals about $2.29 per hour in food benefits before transportation or other costs are considered.

People who need to meet the rules may be able to receive free employment and training help through ODHS, the Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon. Services may include job search help, applications, training, education programs, resume support, interview preparation and transportation-related support.

ODHS said people who have already lost benefits may still be able to regain eligibility if they meet the requirements, qualify for an exemption or report a change that affects whether the rules apply to them. Benefits do not restart automatically after they stop, so affected residents are encouraged to contact the agency directly.

For more information about SNAP work rules and exemptions:

• English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
• Spanish: Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo
• ODHS ABAWD Team:
  • Call: 1-833-947-1694
  • Email: SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

For more information about SNAP benefits:

• Online: benefits.oregon.gov
• Call the ONE Customer Service Center: 1-800-699-9075
• In person or by phone: at any ODHS office
  • ODHS office finder in English and Spanish