More Than 300,000 Oregonians to Lose or See Cuts in Food Benefits
Thousands of Oregonians Begin Losing Their Food and Utility Allowances Based on Stringent Qualification Requirements Imposed by the Federal Government
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has begun mailing notices to the more than 313,000 residents who will be affected by changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) introduced by the federal government’s more stringent requirements to qualify for benefits.
The first round of mailing affects Oregonians who applied for SNAP benefits between July 4 and September 30, 2025.
The other key dates for SNAP are November 1, 2025, when first-benefit reductions and case closures become effective, through to 2026, when additional changes will roll out for households renewing existing benefits, or when benefits are updated.
Utility Allowances
Households that qualified for utility allowances from programs like Heat and Eat and LIHEAP can expect changes to their benefits.
Only households with at least one member 60 years and older, or someone disabled, will automatically qualify for a Full Utility Allowance (FUA).
About 29,000 households will lose their FUA. They will forfeit benefits amounting to about $58 a month. Notices about the benefit reduction, which will begin on November 1, 2025, have been mailed to 9,600 households.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)
Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) will have to qualify for SNAP benefits based on new work rules. These requirements became effective on October 1 and apply to adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have children under 14 years.
These rules have already been implemented in six Oregon counties – Benton, Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill. Ultimately, the rules will apply statewide and affect 310,000 adults.
Oregonians who do not meet the new work rules can expect to lose their benefits at the end of this year.
Visit the SNAP Work Rules website for a full list of exemptions.
Refugees, Asylees, and Other Lawfully Present Immigrants
Losing eligibility for SNAP benefits includes about 3,000 refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors, and other conditionally allowed non-citizens.
The first 1,000 Oregonians in this category will lose their benefits at the end of this month, while the other 2,000 will lose eligibility during future benefit updates.