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SNAP Employment and Training Programs

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.

For help meeting the work rules:​

  • ​​Contact the ODHS ABAWD Team. They'll help you get an appointment with the Oregon Employment Department (OED) at a​ local WorkSource Center. 
  • ​​Let us know if you need help getting to your first appointment. Support is available.​
  • At the WorkSource Center, you'll get connected with a dedicated Employment Specialist who can help you create an ABAWD case plan. Your case plan outlines your work-related activities for the month.
  • OED has many employment, training and educational services. As part of your case plan, you may be connected to other partners like SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) providers.
  • OED also provides case management. They can work with you to support your needs and employment goals.

Examples of OED supports:

  • Training funds for education​
  • Help searching for jobs and preparing to work
  • Help buying things you need to be successful in your ​case plan
  • Continued support for 90 days after you start a new job

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.