Nearly 7,000 Oregonians Lose SNAP Benefits as Federal Work Rules Take Effect

Following federal changes to SNAP work requirements, nearly 7,000 Oregonians lost SNAP benefits in April, with a similar number expected to lose them next month.

Oregon  SNAP Beneficiaries Lose Benefits Under Federal Rule Change

Under federal rules, people who don’t meet the federal work rules and don’t qualify for an exemption can receive benefits for only three months within three years, with each month not worked counting toward the three-month limit.

In March, about 20,000 people were notified that their benefits could close if they did not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption. Some people who lost benefits may still qualify for an exemption, but did not connect with the department before benefits closed.

The Oregon Department of Human Services reported that 6,948 people had their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits closed or reduced at the end of April, resulting in an average loss of $287 per case.

The loss is nearly $2 million in food assistance that will not be spent in Oregon communities this month.

A further 6,309 people are at risk of losing benefits at the end of May under the federal bill HR1, which significantly expanded work rules, increasing the number of Oregonians subject to time limits.

Adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their household may now need to meet work rules to continue receiving benefits- unless they qualify for an exemption. Although the average monthly benefit loss was about $287, the average monthly benefit for one adult at risk statewide is about $183.

Benefits do not restart automatically after they stop, but people may qualify again if they meet work requirements, qualify for an exemption, or report changes in their situation that affect whether work rules apply.

Those who meet the work rules can receive free employment and training support through partnerships among the department, the Oregon Employment Department, and WorkSource Oregon.

These platforms help with job searches and applications, training and education programs, resume building and interview preparation, and support services such as transportation.