This program is for individuals and families that:
- Live in Oregon
- Meet income guidelines (see below on this page). Your house, car or money in the bank don't usually count against your eligibility.
If you are 18 to 52 with an able-bodied-adult without dependents (ABAWD) status, there may be time limits for how long you can get SNAP benefits.
Need help to see if you qualify?
- You can call 211 or contact 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.
College and Higher Education Students
Students ages 18 to 49 enrolled in higher education more than half-time are usually only eligible for SNAP if they meet a special condition (called an exemption). Higher education may include college, university, trade and technical schools. The institution the student is attending decides what is considered ‘half-time’ enrollment.
In Oregon, students of higher education may meet an exemption if they are:
- Working or self-employed more than 20 hours per week (includes internships, externships, graduate assistantships and graduate fellowships)
- Participating in federal or state funded work study
- Receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Receiving Unemployment Compensation
- In school because of employer-sponsored training
- Participating in an Employment Department Training Program
- Enrolled in a program or course of study that will lead to employment
- Responsible for the care of a child under age 6 in a one- or two-parent home
- Responsible for the care of a child who is between ages 6 and 12 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
- A single parent responsible for the care of a child under age 12
Students who meet an exemption must also meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.
Older Adults
- Adults aged 60 or older can have their out-of-pocket medical costs counted to offset their income, which could qualify them for more benefits. Proof of these medical costs is required. Learn more about out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Adults aged 65 or older that live in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah and Washington Counties can receive their SNAP benefits as a direct deposit, check or on an EBT card. This can make using benefits easier.
- For older adults who may have trouble getting to the store, a trusted person is allowed to purchase food on their behalf using their SNAP benefits. An alternate payee form can be filled out and turned in with an application or at any time.
- Older adults may also have their full shelter costs included when determining their SNAP benefits.
Eligible Non-citizens
Non-citizens eligible for SNAP include:
- Refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Asylees, Amerasian immigrants, individuals with deportation or removal withheld, Hmong or Highland Laotians, parolees for at least one-year, conditional entrants, North American Indians born in Canada and members of federally recognized Tribes
- Certain victims of human trafficking and their children or parents
- Honorably discharged U.S. veterans, spouses and unmarried dependent children
- Non-citizens on active duty in the U.S. military service, spouses and unmarried dependent children
- Non-citizens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year
- Lawful Permanent Resident in the U.S. for 5 years
- Lawful Permanent Resident with certain disability benefits
- Lawful Permanent Resident under age 18
Participating in SNAP does not count toward public charge.
Applying for or receiving SNAP will not affect the participants ability to:
- Remain in the U.S.
- Get Lawful Permanent Resident Status
- Keep Lawful Permanent Resident Status
- Become a U.S. citizen
Ineligible non-citizens can apply for SNAP on behalf of eligible immigrants or U.S. citizens in their family, even if they do not want to apply for benefits for themselves. This would not affect their immigration status.