The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, offers food and related benefits to residents of Oregon. The program provides financial aid to eligible families so that they can buy nutritious food to meet their requirements.

The program benefits are transferred through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, known as Oregon Trail Card. The card is loaded at a fixed date each month and allows easy access to benefits through electronic system. EBT card can be used at a number of approved stores across the state.

Cardholders can use their EBT card to buy food such as bread, cereal, eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables. The card can also be used for buying seeds that will grow into food for the household. In some selected areas in Oregon, cardholders can use their card to buy low-cost meals from designated restaurants.

Households can't buy non-food items such as pet food, soap, and other household supplies with EBT card. Similarly, cardholders can't buy beer, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco using Food Stamps (SNAP) benefits. In addition to these, vitamins, medicines, hot foods, and foods meant to be consumed in the store cannot be bought using Food Stamps (SNAP) benefits. You can find a complete list of all permitted and non-permitted items for SNAP here http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers/eligible.htm

Residents of Oregon can qualify to receive SNAP benefits if they meet income guidelines. Households below federal poverty line will qualify for receiving SNAP benefits. If a person in the household is receiving TANF, Medicaid or income from other social services program, it will automatically qualify income eligibility.

Those looking to apply for SNAP - Food Stamps benefits will be able to apply for the program through an online application system. Those wanting to apply through mail or fax can download application form, fill it manually and send it to their local DHS office.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive Oregon Food Stamps (SNAP) benefits, one has to:

• Be a U.S citizen or a qualified alien
• Be a resident of Oregon
• Meet income limits for the program
• Register for work

For the purpose of SNAP - Food Stamps, a household comprises of people living, buying food items, and preparing meal together. People living together don't have to be relatives to be considered a household.

Income Eligibility

Applicants will have to meet income guidelines in order to receive SNAP benefits. Oregon follows federal guidelines for income eligibility. Households with gross income equal or less than 130% of federal poverty line (FPL) will be able to qualify for SNAP benefits. Income limits vary with family size. Large families need more money for buying food while small families need less money. Therefore, the size of household decides your gross income limit and amount of benefits you may receive through Food Stamps.

Click here to use the offical screening tool to determine your eligibility.

Food Stamps Application Instructions

It's easy to apply for Oregon SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps. You will have the following options:

Apply Online

You can apply online for Oregon SNAP - Food Stamps by clicking here.

When applying online, make sure that you have all the important documents with you so that you can fill the application easily.

Apply Through Mail

You can also apply for Oregon SNAP - Food Stamps benefits through mail. You can download application form from by clicking here, after you download and fill it out, send it to nearest DHS office through mail, fax or drop it in person.

You can find a list of DHS local offices by clicking here.

When you apply for SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits, you will be given an appointment for an interview. You will be interviewed by a representative from your local SNAP Office who will determine your eligibility for the program.