How To Apply For Food Stamps In Oregon

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a Oregon Trail Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Oregon. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Oregon SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Oregon Department of Human Service for assistance.

Oregon Food Stamps Eligibility
To find out if you may be eligible for food benefits:

• Visit the 211info website
• Use the OregonHelps Program pre-screener​
• If you are a senior or person with disabilities you may also contact the Oregon ADRC by calling the ADRC at 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372) or visit the ADRC website

If you are at least a half-time student you must meet additional special criteria to be eligible for food benefits, click here to find out the eligibility for students.

Applying for Food Benefits
There are several options to apply for food benefits.

• Apply online for food benefits.
• Visit the 211Info website to find out how to phone, text or email for assistance.
• Families and single adults without a disability contact your local DHS self-sufficiency office.
• Seniors and people with disabilities contact a Seniors & People with Disabilities office.
• Print out and complete the Application for Services below and fax or mail it to your local DHS Self Sufficiency office.
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Oregon Food Stamps Eligibility Requirements
In order to receive Oregon Food Stamps (SNAP) benefits, one has to:

• Be a U.S citizen or a qualified alien
• Be a resident of Oregon
• Meet income limits for the program
• Register for work

Income Eligibility
Applicants will have to meet income guidelines in order to receive SNAP benefits. Oregon follows federal guidelines for income eligibility. Households with gross income equal or less than 130% of federal poverty line (FPL) will be able to qualify for SNAP benefits. Income limits vary with family size. Large families need more money for buying food while small families need less money. Therefore, the size of household decides your gross income limit and amount of benefits you may receive through Food Stamps.

What if I need food benefits right away?
They may be able to give you food benefits within seven days if you qualify. To qualify, one of the following must be true:

• Your income is less than $150 per month and your cash and bank accounts total less than $100;
• The total of your monthly income, cash and money in the bank is less than your total housing and utility costs for a month; or
• You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and have very little money.
• You must be able to show proof of your identity.

What do I need to bring to the interview?
You may need to bring:

• Your identification;
• Proof of your income;
• Social Security numbers for everyone in your household who wants benefits; and
• Proof of your legal immigration status for those persons who want benefits.
• Please let them know if you need help getting the information and they may be able to help you.

When will my benefits start if I qualify?
Cash benefits usually start based on the date we get the application. The amount of your benefits is also based upon this date. Food benefits usually start based on the date they get the application. The amount of your benefits is also based upon this date. Child care benefits start on the first day of the month in which the request is made if you qualify. However, the effective date for payment cannot be earlier than the date your provider of choice is in approved listing status with the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Social Security numbers (SSN) and citizenship
If you are applying for someone else and not for yourself, they do not need your SSN or citizenship status. People who are not U.S. citizens may still qualify for certain benefits. If you do not have an SSN yourself, other family members who do have SSNs may still qualify.