Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will increase in February for most recipients. The extra food stamp benefits, also known as emergency allotments, have been provided each month since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The federal government has not extended the emergency allotments beyond February 2023, so the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will no longer provide these extra benefits after February. SNAP is a federal nutrition program that provides food assistance to low-income households. In Oregon, ODHS administers SNAP and provides benefits to eligible households through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on the household’s income and size.
Oregon’s Enhanced SNAP Benefits
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has authorized several rounds of increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. Here’s what Oregon residents should know about these enhanced benefits.
Additional SNAP Emergency Allotments
Oregon, along with other states, has been providing additional SNAP Emergency Allotments to eligible households since March 2020. These extra benefits are in addition to the regular SNAP benefits that households receive. The amount of the additional allotment is equal to the maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of the same size.
These additional benefits are scheduled to continue through at least May 2023. However, the program may be extended beyond May if the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the economy and food security.
Who is Eligible?
All SNAP households in Oregon are eligible to receive the additional emergency allotments, regardless of income or household size. To be eligible for SNAP benefits in general, households must meet certain income and asset limits. For more information on SNAP eligibility, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website.
How to Apply
If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, you do not need to take any action to receive the additional emergency allotments. The extra benefits will be automatically added to your EBT card each month.
If you are not currently receiving SNAP benefits but believe you may be eligible, you can apply online or by calling the Oregon Department of Human Services at 1-800-699-9075.
Benefits Schedule
The additional SNAP emergency allotments are scheduled to be distributed on the following dates:
- February: February 28, 2023
- March: March 31, 2023
- April: April 28, 2023
- May: May 31, 2023
The benefits will be available on your EBT card the day after they are deposited.
Table of Enhanced SNAP Benefits
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit (Regular) | Additional SNAP Emergency Allotment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 | $250 |
| 2 people | $458 | $458 |
| 3 people | $658 | $658 |
| 4 people | $835 | $835 |
| 5 people | $1,012 | $1,012 |
| 6 people | $1,188 | $1,188 |
| 7 people | $1,364 | $1,364 |
| 8 people | $1,540 | $1,540 |
Oregon Food Stamps Updates for February 2023
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has not announced any additional food stamp benefits for February 2023.
Eligibility Criteria for Extra Food Stamps
To be eligible for extra food stamps in Oregon, households must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Oregon.
- Have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. This is $3,295 for a household of one, $4,490 for a household of two, and $5,706 for a household of four.
- Have a net monthly income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. This is $2,521 for a household of one, $3,397 for a household of two, and $4,273 for a household of four.
- Have resources at or below $2,500 for a single-person household, $3,750 for a household of two, and $5,000 for a household of three or more.
Households that meet these criteria may be eligible for additional food stamps benefits, such as:
- A higher benefit amount
- A longer benefit period
- A waiver of the work requirement
How to Apply for Extra Food Stamps
To apply for extra food stamps in Oregon, you can:
- Apply online at the ODHS website.
- Call the ODHS customer service line at 1-800-699-9075.
- Visit your local ODHS office.
You will need to provide the following information when you apply:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Your Social Security number
- Your income and expenses
- Your resources
- Information about your household members
Contact Information
For more information about extra food stamps in Oregon, you can contact the ODHS customer service line at 1-800-699-9075.
| Phone | Website |
|---|---|
| 1-800-699-9075 | https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ |
Oregon SNAP Emergency Allotments
Oregon residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, may be eligible for additional benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has announced that all SNAP households will receive the maximum allowable SNAP benefit amount for March 2023.
Application Process for Additional SNAP Benefits
You do not need to apply for these additional benefits. ODHS will automatically issue the extra benefits to all eligible SNAP households. The benefits will be loaded onto recipients’ EBT cards by the end of March. You can check your EBT card balance online at the Oregon EBT website or by calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card.
Here are some important details about the additional SNAP benefits:
- The additional benefits will be equal to the difference between your regular SNAP benefit amount and the maximum allowable SNAP benefit amount for your household size.
- The maximum allowable SNAP benefit amounts for March 2023 are as follows:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1-person household | $281 |
| 2-person household | $516 |
| 3-person household | $740 |
| 4-person household | $939 |
| 5-person household | $1,117 |
| 6-person household | $1,282 |
| 7-person household | $1,446 |
| 8-person household | $1,609 |
| Each additional person | $163 |
For more information about the additional SNAP benefits, including how to apply, you can contact the ODHS Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075 or visit the ODHS website.
Timeline for Receiving Extra Food Stamp Payments
The exact timeline for receiving extra food stamp payments in Oregon can vary depending on factors such as application processing times and the availability of funds. However, individuals and families who are eligible for the additional benefits can generally expect to receive them within a specific timeframe.
Here is an approximate timeline for receiving extra food stamp payments in Oregon:
- Application and Eligibility Determination: Individuals and families who are not currently receiving food stamps or who need to apply for the first time should complete an application form. The application can be submitted online or in person at a local Department of Human Services office.
- Processing Time: Once an application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Department of Human Services to determine eligibility. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the case.
- Issuance of Extra Food Stamp Payments: If an application is approved, the extra food stamp payments will be issued to eligible individuals and families through their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or by direct deposit, if applicable.
It’s important to note that the timeline provided above is an estimate and may vary for different individuals and families. Those who have questions or need additional information about the extra food stamp payments can contact the Oregon Department of Human Services for assistance.
Oregon Food Stamp Benefit Schedule
| Month | Regular Food Stamp Benefit | Extra Food Stamp Benefit | Total Food Stamp Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2023 | $281 | $95 | $376 |
| March 2023 | $281 | $95 | $376 |
| April 2023 | $281 | $95 | $376 |
Well folks, there you have it. Hopefully, this article helped shed some light on whether or not Oregonians will be receiving extra food stamps this month. As always, the situation remains fluid, and things can change suddenly, so be sure to check back with us here later for the latest updates. Thanks for reading!