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SNAP Interviews

Prepare for your SNAP interview

After you apply for SNAP or renew your benefits, we'll schedule an interview to review your application. This conversation helps us understand your situation and decide if you qualify for SNAP and what your benefit amount should be.

You can do the interview by phone or in person at a local office. It usually takes about 45 minutes, but could be shorter or longer. You can get an interpreter if you need one. 

What to expectWhat to have readyContact us

What to expect

If you apply in person or by phone

  • We'll try to do your interview when you apply.
  • If we can't do it then, we'll schedule a separate time for the interview. 

If you apply online or by mail

  • We'll reach out to schedule your interview using the contact information you provided in your application.
  • If you said it's ok for us to call you, we'll try calling first. If you said it's ok for us to text you, we may send a quick text beforehand so you know a call is coming. To protect your privacy, we won't leave a voice mail unless you said that's ok.
  • If we can't reach you by phone, we'll send you a notice that includes your scheduled interview time. You'll get the notice by email or postal mail, depending on how you said you wanted to be contacted. 
  • You can contact us if you need to reschedule.

During the interview, an eligibility worker will:

  • Review your application with you
  • Ask detailed questions about your household, income and expenses
  • Let you know what proof we need of your income or expenses
  • Explain your rights and responsibilities
  • Answer any questions you may have

What to have ready

Below are examples of the types of information we ask about during interviews. Having these details ready can speed up your interview.

You may not need all these items. They're just examples to help you know what to expect.

If you don't have everything listed, that's okay. You can still do your interview. We'll let you know if we need anything from you afterward. 

Proof of your identity

We will ask you to provide proof of your identity, such as:

  • Any type of photo ID
  • A Social Security card or number
  • A birth certificate or passport
  • A voter registration card

Information about people in your household

If you live with family members or if you share and prepare food with others in your home, we will ask for information about them, such as:

  • Name
  • ​Date of birth
  • Social Security number (if available)
  • Contact information (phone number or email)
  • Preferred language
  • Highest level of education completed
  • Whether they are in school (when they started, what type ​of school, and if they attend part time or full time)
  • Whether they have American Indian and Alaska Native heritage​
  • Immigration status of people requesting benefits who aren't U.S. citizens (proof is required)

Household income

We will ask about money coming into your household ​before taxes or other deductions are taken out. 

To show proof of income, you can use things like:

  • Pay stubs (these should show the date, employer name, hours worked, pay before taxes or deductions, and how often you're paid)
  • Financial aid award letters

Examples of income we may ask about include:

  • Pay from a job (including tips, commission or bonuses)​
  • Self-employment income (like Do​or Dash, odd jobs or independent contracting)
  • Social Security benefits
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Retirement or pension payments
  • Paid Leave Oregon benefits
  • Disability benefits or workers' compensation
  • Veterans benefits
  • Tribal benefits
  • Child support
  • Educational income (loans, grants, or other financial aid)
  • Money from friends or family
  • Lottery or gambling winnings (if anyone in your household recently won more than $4,500 from a single game)

We also need to know if anyone helps pay your living expenses, or if you work in return for rent or utilities.

Household cash and savings

We will ask about money your household has available right now, such as:

  • Cash
  • Money in checking or savings accounts
  • A Chime card
  • Reloadable money cards

SNAP benefits from other states

If you moved to Oregon in the last 6 months, we will ask if you received SNAP in another state before moving. If you did, we will ask for:

  • The state and county where you received SNAP
  • The people who were on the SNAP case with you
  • When you received benefits
  • Proof that those​ benefits have ended​

Current and past jobs

​We will ask about your ​employment history and income from current or recent jobs. We use this information when we calculate benefit amounts. 

  • If you are working, we'll ask when your job started, the first pay date, your employer name, and how much you are paid before taxes.
  • If you recently stopped working, we'll ask when and why your job ​ended.

Note: SNAP has work requirements for able-bodied ​adults age 18 to 64 who don't have a child under age 14 on their SNAP case, or don't meet another exemption.

Housing and utility expenses

We will ask how much you pay for certain housing and utility costs. This includes:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Homeowner's insurance
  • Property taxes
  • Homeowner's Association fees
  • Primary heating and cooling (electricity, gas, wood, coal)
  • Water, sewer and garbage
  • Phone
  • If you get help paying for housing, shelter or utilities, we'll ask who helps you pay and how much they pay

Education expenses

If someone in your household goes to college, university, vocational school or trade school, we will ask how much you pay for:

  • Tuition
  • Books
  • Fees
We also need to know about any financial aid you receive to help cover these expenses.

Medical expenses

If someone in your household is 60 or older, blind, disabled or a refugee, we will ​ask about:

  • Prescription copays
  • Office visit copays
  • Insurance premiums
  • Medicare Part A, B, or D premiums
  • Medical bills​

Contact us

If you need to contact us or reschedule: