New SNAP Work Rules Could Cut Food Aid for 37,000 Oregonians as Exemptions Shrink
The SNAP rule waivers, which were ended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will immediately affect 37,000 Oregonians, a figure expected to increase over time.
Hard-hit by the new laws are Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), previously exempt because of limited job opportunities in 30 of the state’s 36 counties, and on all Tribal land.
Source: ODHS Newsroom press release dated Dec 11 2025 on SNAP work rules statewide
Dailytidings.com
ABAWD recipients must now work or undertake training for at least 80 hours each month to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. They can be paid, or work in exchange for shelter.
Failure to meet the 80-hour requirement will result in SNAP benefits payable for only three months of every 36-month period.
What Oregon SNAP Recipients Must Do Now
The new SNAP laws apply to adults between 18 and 64. Previously, only adults up to the age of 54 were affected.
The new laws also apply to adults who do not have children under the age of 14 years living in a SNAP household. Previously, this applied up to age 18.
Additionally, the new laws now also apply to veterans, people in foster care, and the homeless, who were all previously exempt.
| Change | Estimated Oregon impact | What it can do | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABAWD work rules apply statewide | About 37,000 people now, expected to grow | Work or training 80 hours per month or benefits time limit applies | Statewide starting Dec 1 2025 |
| Utility allowance change | About 29,000 households | Average SNAP benefit drop about 58 dollars per month | Rollout began Oct 2025 and continues at review |
| Certain lawfully present immigrants | About 1,000 people get notices | Benefits reduced or closed depending on eligibility status | Notices around mid Oct 2025 |
Who Still Qualifies for an Exemption
However, new exemptions have been added. These include enrolled members of a federally recognized Tribe, or those who have parents or grandparents who are members of recognized Tribes.
People living on the following Tribal Lands are also exempt from the new rules, even if they are not enrolled Tribal members or descendants:
- Burns Paiute Reservation and off-Reservation Tribal land
- Coquille Reservation and off-Reservation Trust Land
- Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Reservation
- Klamath Reservation
- Confederated Tribes of Siletz Reservation and off-Reservation Trust Land
For more information and assistance, SNAP recipients should phone the ODHS ABAWD Unit at 1-833-947-1694 or email [email protected]
How the Federal Law Lands Differently in Oregon
Oregon bears the brunt of the sweeping changes to SNAP qualifications, which form part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Although the federal SNAP rules apply nationwide, House Bill H.R.1 has triggered more severe and sweeping changes in Oregon.
House Resolution (H.R. 1) was passed by the federal government on July 4, 2025, and the new rules take effect immediately for individuals who applied for SNAP after October 1, 2025.
Existing SNAP recipients who applied or who were re-certified between July and October 1, 2025, either lost their their benefits or received reduced benefits from November 1, 2025.
Recipients approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025, will have their benefits reduced over time.
Tightening the federal budget means that Oregon will now have to find an additional $385 million a year to keep people fed, not to mention the additional strain put on the state’s Medicaid program and the Oregon Health Plan.
Source: Oregon Governor Newsroom press release dated Oct 20 2025 citing 757,000 SNAP recipients monthly, including 210,000 children and 130,000 adults age 65 and older
Dailytidings.com