Oregon Says 93% of SNAP Recipients Facing Work Rules May Qualify for Exemptions

Oregon officials are urging people receiving SNAP food benefits not to just assume they must meet the program’s 80-hour monthly work or activity requirement- many recipients may qualify for an exemption.

Oregon SNAP Work Rule Exemptions

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) says 93% of Oregonians currently subject to SNAP work or activity rules qualify for an exemption. Eligibility can depend on a person’s health, employment, education, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances.

The federal rules were expanded in July 2025. Generally, adults aged 18 to 64 without a child under 14 in their SNAP household must complete 80 hours of work or qualifying activities each month unless they qualify for an exemption or live in a waived area.

But potential exemptions include being pregnant, being physically or mentally unable to work, already working enough hours, participating in an eligible education or training program, living in an exempt area, or caring for a child or another person in certain circumstances.

ODHS is encouraging recipients to report changes in their lives as soon as possible. Starting a new job, becoming pregnant, experiencing a health change, or taking on new caregiving responsibilities could affect whether the rules apply.

Recipients can contact the ODHS SNAP Work or Activity Rules (ABAWD) Team at the agency to review their individual circumstances, determine whether an exemption applies, and understand what documentation may be required:

• Call: 1-833-947-1694
• Email: [email protected]