Individuals and families who:
Some able-bodied adults who aren't caring for children need to meet
work requirements in order to get SNAP benefits for longer than three months.
Need help to see if you qualify?
- You can call 211 or contact
211info if you need help.
- Older adults and people with disabilities can get the best help by contacting the Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). Call 855-673-2372 or visit the ADRC website.
SNAP for non-citizens in Oregon
Some people who are not U.S. citizens can get SNAP food benefits in Oregon. You must:
- Live in the United States
- Meet all SNAP income and non-income rules
- Have an eligible immigration status
Non-citizens in these groups may be able to get SNAP:
-
Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) if one or more of these is
also true:
- You have lived in the U.S. for 5 years
- You are under age 18
- You have worked enough in the U.S. (40 qualifying work quarters)
- You are blind or have a disability
- You were 65 or older and living legally in the U.S. on Aug. 22, 1996
- You or a family member served in the U.S. military
- You are:
- Admitted to the U.S. as an Amerasian immigrant
- Certain American Indians born abroad
- Certain Hmong or Highland Laotian tribal members
-
Cuban or Haitian Entrants
- People who came to the U.S. as Cuban or Haitian Entrants may be eligible for SNAP if they meet regular SNAP rules.
-
COFA citizens living in the U.S.
- People from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands or Palau may be eligible. These countries have agreements with the U.S. called “Compacts of Free Association” (COFA). These agreements allow people to live and work in the U.S. and qualify for some benefits, including SNAP.
If your status is not listed:
- You can still apply. We can review your situation.
Oregon uses your most recent immigration status.
- If your immigration status has changed, Oregon uses your
current status when deciding SNAP eligibility.
SNAP does not affect your immigration status.
Getting SNAP benefits
will not:
- Affect your ability to stay in the U.S.
- Stop you from getting a green card
- Cause you to lose your green card
- Stop you from becoming a U.S. citizen
- Count as public charge
You are not alone.
- These rules can be hard to understand, and it's OK to ask for help.
- Contact us in the way that feels best to you.
Information for college and higher education students
Students ages 18 to 49 who are enrolled more than half-time in college or other higher education can usually only get SNAP if they meet a special condition (called an exemption).
Higher education includes college, university, trade schools and technical schools. The school decides what "half-time" enrollment means.
In Oregon, students in higher education may be able to get SNAP if they meet all SNAP eligibility requirements
and are:
- Working or self-employed more than 20 hours per week (includes internships, externships, graduate assistantships and graduate fellowships)
- Participating in federal or state funded work study
- Receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Receiving Unemployment Compensation
- In school because of employer-sponsored training
- Participating in an Employment Department Training Program
- Enrolled in a program or course of study that will lead to employment
- Responsible for the care of a child under age 6 in a one- or two-parent home
- Responsible for the care of a child between ages 6 and 12 in a one- or two-parent home, and ODHS has determined that adequate child care is not available to allow the student to attend class or work at least 20 hours a week
- A single parent responsible for the care of a child under age 12
Information for older adults
- Adults age 60 or older can have their out-of-pocket medical costs counted to offset their income. This could qualify them for more benefits. Proof of these medical costs is required.
- Adults age 65 or older who live in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah and Washington counties can get their SNAP benefits as a direct deposit, check or on an EBT card. This can make using benefits easier.
- For older adults who have trouble getting to the store, a trusted person can buy food on their behalf using their SNAP benefits. You'll need to fill out an alternate payee form. You can do this when you apply or any time after.
- Older adults can have their full shelter costs included when determining their SNAP benefits.