In this post we will outline how to apply for food stamps in Oregon online. Food stamps are a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help improve the health and well-being of low-income households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. Food stamps benefits are a supplement and are not meat to meet all of the food needs for a household. SNAP benefits are administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
In order to be eligible for SNAP benefits in Oregon, you must first meet certain income requirements. Eligibility for SNAP benefits are also based on household size and monthly expenses. To find out whether you qualify to receive food assistance in Oregon, please refer to the monthly income limit chart below. This chart gives you a general idea of the maximum monthly income (includes social security, disability and child support) a person can earn and be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.
If you’re eligible to receive food assistance in Oregon, your benefits will be distributed through the state’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. This system allows you to access your benefits be using an EBT card, also known as an “Oregon Trail Card” at the grocery store point-of-sale machines. Your Oregon Trail card is a debit-like card that is used to purchase qualified food items at participating grocery stores. Your benefits are delivered to your Oregon Trail card on the same day each month. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Cigarettes
- Vitamins or Medicines
- Pet Foods
- Household Products
If you qualify to receive SNAP benefits, then follow our step-by-step instructions on how to apply for food stamps in Oregon online. If you wish to apply for SNAP benefits, but are unable do so online, you can visit your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office to apply. You may also download the SNAP application and mail it to your local DHS. If you wish to continue by applying for SNAP benefits online, please read the instructions below.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Oregon Online:
Step 1 – Do you qualify to receive SNAP Benefits?
Before going through the process of applying for benefits, it’s important that you determine whether you are eligible for SNAP. To see if you qualify, visit the 211info website and complete the Oregon Helps Program pre-screener tool. The pre-screener is a free and easy tool that will help determine what benefits you are eligible to receive in the state of Oregon. You will be asked to answer questions about your income, expenses and the people in your house. It’s important that you have that information ready. If you have any questions regarding eligibility contact the Oregon DHS by calling 1-855-626-2050 Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.
Step 2 – Apply for Oregon SNAP Benefits
Once you’ve completed the pre-screening tool, the next step is to submit your SNAP application. You will be able to apply for benefits online at the Oregon Department of Human Services website. When you go to the website, please click on the button that says, “Create an Account and Apply for New Benefits.” Proceed through the steps of setting up and account. Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll be directed to the online application. Be sure to have the following information ready for each member of your household before applying for benefits.
- Social Security number and birth date
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Monthly income (includes child support, social security and disability)
- The value of cars, property and other assets
- Costs of utility bills and expenses
Step 3 – Complete an Interview
Once your application has been received by your local DHS office, a SNAP eligibility worker will schedule time to meet with you in person or over the phone. This step is a required interview process that must be completed in order to receive SNAP benefits in Oregon. The interview is to determine your eligibility for the program and review your application. You will also be able to provide proof (hard copies) of the information provided in your SNAP application. You will receive more information regarding the interview process after your SNAP application has been submitted. Please be sure to have all documentation ready prior to your interview. All information is confidential.
Step 4 – Oregon EBT Card
If you’ve made it to step four then that means you’ve been approved to receive SNAP benefits in the state of Oregon! You’ll be receiving your debit-like Oregon Trail card in the mail within a few days. Your card is to be used exactly like a debit card at point-of-sale terminals. Be sure to set up your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) once your Oregon Trail card is received in the mail. Do not share this number with anyone.
If you wish to know the current balance on your EBT card, please access that information here by logging into your EBT Edge account.
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We hope you found this guide useful when applying for SNAP benefits in Oregon. If you have any questions or problems during the application process, please be sure to leave your feedback below. We love to hearing from you!