Step 1 (optional): Take the pre-screening test here.
Step 2: Apply by printing out an application here.
Step 3: Mail your completed application to your local Department of Human Services office. Find the office nearest you here.
Note: For assistance, please call: 1-800-723-3638
Applying For Oregon Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was made to aid people that do not have the income to spend on their food month after month. SNAP provided assistance to over 40 million Americans in 2010. In Oregon, the number of families on food stamps has been on the rise for several years due to the downturn in the economy and the loss of jobs. With food prices rising, it can be difficult to afford healthy and nutritious food. Whether you need food stamps as a supplement to your grocery budget or if you need complete coverage of your grocery bill, food stamps can be a great help.
Low income families located in Oregon can request food stamps benefits whatever their ethnic background, sex, religious beliefs, or even background is. The average person was given $101/month via the SNAP program in 2008, helping them to pay for bread, milk products, various meats, produce, fruits and even garden seeds.
Food Stamps Requirements
There are several requirements someone has to satisfy to be permitted to be given aid from the food stamp program. Certain documents of proof of your eligibility are needed when you apply.
One requirement that pertains to many, is that you can not own any greater than $2,000 in assets if you are below 60 years old. If a person in your household, or you, are more than sixty years old, then the limit is brought up to $3,000. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), are not considered assets when you’re applying for food stamps. What is counted as assets is any cash you have, money that you have saved in a bank account, or your automobile (in some circumstances).
One requirement is that you must match a certain income limit, which is dependent on the amount of money you are generating and how many persons there are currently residing with you in your home.
Your expenses will also be taken into consideration when you apply for food stamps. If you are paying for child or elderly care, rent, mortgage, or utilities; all of those expenditures will be taken into consideration. Some medical related expenses may also be considered under certain circumstances.
Those that pass the requirements and have their application approved to start receiving SNAP benefits, will be given an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The EBT card can be used similar to a debit card to purchase food at most Oregon grocery stores, convenience stores, or even farmer markets.
About The Oregon Food Stamps Program
In 1998, the actual paper food stamps were discontinued and were replaced with the Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT). In Oregon, this card is called either the EBT card or the Oregon Trail card. The Oregon Trail card looks and work just like a debit card and must be used in conjunction with a pin number.
The Oregon Trail EBT Card
On the front of the card is a mountain and prairie scene with a covered wagon. Across the top of the card are the words “Oregon Trail”. 16 digits appear along the base of the card. These are the numbers that identify your card and can be used to check your Oregon Trail card balance. On the back of the card is a website address and a phone number. Both can be used to check your balance, report a lost or stolen card, review your previous transactions, find helpful hints, report a damaged card, contact customer service and many other services. When you log in you will need your 16 digit card number and your pin number which you set in your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office when you receive your card.
About Your Pin Number
Your pin number is determined by you when you set it at your local DHS office. Do not share your pin number with anyone. When using your pin number at a register, be discreet about which numbers you push so that no one else can see. If you forget your pin number, will have to reset it. To reset your pin number, you must go to the DHS office near you. Do not keep your pin number written down in your wallet or purse. This will make it easier for someone to use your EBT card without your consent.