Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Department of Human Services Search Site

SNAP Employment and Training Programs

Starting Oct. 1, 2025: SNAP participants with an ABAWD status (Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents) in these six counties need to meet work requirements: Benton, Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill.

Starting Dec. 1, 2025: ABAWD work requirements will apply to all Oregon counties.

Learn about SNAP work rules

Oregon has employment and training programs for SNAP participants

These programs provide free services to help you meet your job goals. You can choose if you want to participate.

STEP programABAWD program

STEP program

"STEP" is the SNAP Training and Employment program.

This program is for people age 16 or older who have SNAP food benefits, and who don't also have TANF cash benefits. (If you have TANF, you can get employment services through TANF.)

The STEP program is for people in Oregon who:

  • Are receiving SNAP benefits,
  • Are at least 16 years old, and
  • Are not receiving TANF benefits. (TANF is Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. If you have TANF and would like employment and training support, please reach out to your ODHS Family Coach. You can get services through TANF's JOBS program​.)

Through community partners, we help you overcome barriers and get the skills you need for the job you want. 

  • This program includes one-on-one support.
  • The STEP program ​may be able to cover the cost of training, textbooks, gas, bus tickets, housing and utility costs, child care, and work clothes.

Participating in STEP will not change your SNAP benefits. 

Contact your local o​ffice and ask for a referral to the STEP program.

ABAWD program

"ABAWD" stands for "Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents." We partner with the Oregon Employment Department (OED) to offer help for people who need to follow the ABAWD work rules.

This program is for SNAP recipients age 18 to 64 who don't have a child under 14 on their SNAP case and don't meet an exemption. You can meet SNAP work requirements through this program and keep your food benefits while you look for a job.

When someone with an ABAWD status connects with the ODHS ABAWD Team, they will get an appointment with the Oregon Employment Department (OED) at a local WorkSource Center. 

There, they will be assigned a dedicated Employment Specialist who will help create their ABAWD case plan. The ABAWD case plan outlines their work-related activities for the month.

OED offers many different employment, training and educational services. As part of the ABAWD case plan, people may be connected to other partner organizations like SNAP Employment and Training (STEP) providers. OED also provides case management to work alongside individuals to support their needs in reaching their desired employment goals.

OED may offer supports including but not limited to:

  • Training funds for education opportunities.
  • Help with searching and preparing for employment.
  • Help with purchasing the items needed to be successful in the ABAWD case plan.
  • Continued support for 90 days after starting new employment.

Support is available for you to meet with OED. Let the ABAWD Team know if you need help getting to your first appointment at OED.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) does not discriminate against anyone. This means that ODHS will help all who qualify and will not treat anyone differently. See the USDA nondiscrimination statement for more information.