Federal Shutdown Impact Resources
In response to the federal government shutdown, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has developed this resource page to provide information to assistance and resources for veterans and Oregonians who may be affected. Here you will find links to programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other state and community resources. This information is intended to support all Oregonians, including veterans and their families, during this period of disruption.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has confirmed that most of its services for veterans and their families will continue without interruption during the federal shutdown. State-level programs and benefits provided by ODVA and other state agencies are not affected and remain fully operational. This information is provided to help Oregon veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors understand which VA services may be impacted during this period. Learn more by clicking the "Veterans Field Gude" link below.
Work with a Veteran Services Office (VSO) in Oregon
If you or a veteran you know has questions about potential earned benefits or other veteran services access during the federal government shutdown, contact your county or tribal VSO today. VSO's often have awareness of local resources that assist with food insecurities, potential financial assistance, and information that impact Oregon veterans. VSO's offer free confidential claims assistance as well as referrals to veteran services in the community.
Click the link to find the full list of county VSO's in Oregon: County & Tribal Veteran Services Office Directory
Food Security
November SNAP food benefits are impacted due to the federal shutdown. Benefits will be issued after funding resumes. It will take time for funds to load onto EBT cards. Learn what this means for food assistance programs by visiting www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx. Resources for SNAP, WIC, Double Up Food Bucks, Oregon Food Bank, and more can be found below.
About SNAP in Oregon
SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon's economy each year. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will continue to provide updates to the public through:
ODHS encourages SNAP participants to:
- Check EBT card balance regularly
- Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements
- Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels
- Sign up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case
Sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app as the fastest ways to get notifications about your SNAP benefits.
Community & EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Find resources in your area by calling 211, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting 211info.org. This service can connect you with a wide range of local support, including food assistance, housing resources, and other essential community programs.
The Oregon Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program is for veterans and their immediate family (spouse, unremarried surviving spouse, child, or stepchild) who are in need of emergency financial assistance. Assistance is granted one time only and average award amounts vary. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Oregon has cash benefit programs to help people pay for things like food, child care, clothing, rent and utilities while they work toward supporting themselves. Through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), people may qualify for certain programs. More information can be found at the link below.
Aging Veteran Services
The Aging Veteran Services Division is a program within ODVA that was established to address the needs and concerns of our rapidly aging veteran demographic and their families. Currently, more than 50% of Oregon veterans served during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam eras, and nationally, more than 12.4 million veterans are age 65 or older. If you or an aging veteran you know is in need of assistance, learn more about the programs ODVA offers by clicking the respective links below.
OTHER AGING SERVICES
Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.
Housing
The ODVA OrVET Home Loan Program remains fully operational and unaffected by the federal shutdown. As Oregon’s long-standing, state-funded home loan benefit, separate from the federal VA program, it continues to serve and support Oregon veterans and their families. Veteran borrowers impacted by the shutdown are encouraged to contact the ODVA Home Loan Servicing team at 800-633-6826.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is working closely with Governor Kotek’s office to monitor and assess federal actions that could impact housing in Oregon. OHCS continues to closely monitor the federal shutdown. At this time, there are no direct impacts to OHCS’ housing programs. To learn more or to stay up to dat ewith OHCS, click the link below.
Employment
Resources are available for Oregonians affected by the federal shutdown through the Oregon Employment Department's (OED) federal worker page and WorkSource Oregon for job search assistance and guidance. If you or someone you know needs to apply for unemployment benefits, you can do so through OED, by clicking the respective link below.
Disclaimer: This page provides information for general purposes only and includes resources hosted on the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) website as well as links to external programs. Availability, eligibility, and services may change at any time without notice. ODVA strives to provide accurate information but is not responsible for the content, policies, or operations of external sites. Users should confirm details directly with the relevant agencies or organizations