Individuals and families who:
- Live in Oregon.
- Meet
income guidelines.
- Your house, car or money in the bank don't usually count against your eligibility, but we will ask about your household income and expenses.
- Are U.S. citizens or
eligible non-citizens.
Work requirements: Some people need to meet
work requirements to keep SNAP for longer than three months. This applies to able-bodied adults (age 18-64) who aren't caring for children under age 14 and who don't meet an
exemption.
Need help to see if you qualify?
- You can call 211 or visit 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.
Information for older adults
- Adults age 60 or older can have their out-of-pocket medical costs counted to offset their income. This means they could qualify for more benefits. Proof 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.
- Older adults who have trouble getting to the store can designate a trusted person to buy food for them using their SNAP benefits. Fill out an alternate payee form when you apply or any time after.
- Older adults can have their full shelter costs included when determining their SNAP benefits.
Information for college and higher education students
Students ages 18-49 who are enrolled more than half-time in college or other higher education can get SNAP if they meet a special condition (see the list below). Higher education includes college, university, trade schools and technical schools. The school decides what "half-time" enrollment means.
In Oregon, higher education students may be able to get SNAP if they:
- Meet regular SNAP eligibility requirements,
and
- Meet at least one of the following:
- Work or are self-employed more than 20 hours a week (includes internships, externships, graduate assistantships and graduate fellowships)
- Participate in federal or state funded work study
- Receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Receive Unemployment compensation
- Are in school because of employer-sponsored training
- Participate in an Employment Department training program
- Are enrolled in a program or course of study that will lead to employment
- Are caring for a child under age 6 in a one or two-parent home
- Are caring for a child between 6-12 years old 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
- Are a single parent caring for a child under age 12
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 Oregon
- Meet all SNAP income and non-income rules
- Have an eligible immigration status (see below)
Please note: As of Sep. 18, 2026, getting SNAP benefits may count as public charge.
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. for 10+ years
- 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 an American Indian born abroad
- You are a Hmong or Highland Laotian tribal member
- You are a refugee
- You were granted asylum
- You had a deportation withheld
- You are an Afghan parolee from between July 31, 2021 - Sep. 30, 2023
- You are a Ukrainian parolee from between Feb. 24, 2022 - Sep. 30, 2024
- You are a victim of severe trafficking
-
Cuban or Haitian Entrants
-
COFA citizens living in the U.S.
- People from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands or Palau may be eligible.
- Admitted to the U.S. as an
Amerasian immigrant
- Citizen of
Iraq or
Afghanistan and have been granted a
Special Immigrant Visa status
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.
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.