The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) in Salem is urging Oregonians who are not currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to submit applications now, ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Officials say the timing can help households secure food assistance before year‑end expenses rise.
Seasonal work can help meet SNAP requirements
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to qualifying households, but recipients must meet federal work or activity rules. Adults ages 18 to 64 generally need to complete at least 80 hours of work or qualifying activities each month unless they qualify for an exemption. ODHS notes that seasonal employment—such as jobs at retail stores, Halloween outlets, restaurants, warehouses, and Christmas‑tree farms—can count toward those hours.
“Seasonal employment can be an opportunity to earn extra income while also helping people meet SNAP work or activity rules,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS interim Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director. “If you’ve started a new job, picked up additional hours or are planning to work during the holidays, contact us. We can help you understand how your work and income affect your SNAP benefits and what steps you may need to take.”
How to regain lost benefits
People who previously lost SNAP benefits for not meeting work or activity requirements may become eligible again by securing qualifying employment or other activities. Reapplying and demonstrating compliance with the 80‑hour rule may be necessary. The ODHS ABAWD Team offers assistance with work‑rule questions and can be reached at 833‑947‑1694 or online at oregon.gov/snapworkrules.
Related Medicaid updates
Some Oregon residents have also received letters from the Oregon Health Authority about upcoming work or activity rules for the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program. Individuals who qualify for an exemption from SNAP work rules are automatically exempt from Oregon Health Plan work rules as well. ODHS reminds benefit recipients to keep mailing addresses current to receive critical notices about deadlines or required actions.
Immigrants with questions about SNAP benefits and the public charge rule can contact the Oregon Law Center’s Public Benefits Hotline at 800‑520‑5292.
Upcoming changes
New federal work or activity rules for the Oregon Health Plan are slated to begin in January 2027. ODHS is hosting a virtual media availability today from 2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. to answer questions about SNAP applications and seasonal employment.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
