SNAP Changes and You
Starting October 1, 2025, the federal government made changes to SNAP which affect everyone. Not everyone will be affected October 1. You'll receive a notice when you're being reviewed. It's best to be prepared if you're lucky enough not to be in the first round of people up for benefits review.
That can't be good. What's the change?
Refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed immigrants who were eligible before July 4, 2025, will lose eligibility for SNAP.
Unless you qualify for exemption, you now must prove you work, volunteer, or train at least 80 hours a month (20 hours a week). Yeah, it's a lot. And if you fail, you lose your benefits within 3 months.
What are the exemptions
- Are under 18, or age 65+
- Live with a child under 14 who is also on their SNAP case
- Live in a waived area
- Are pregnant
- Care for a child or adult with an incapacity
- Get disability benefits (like Supplemental Security Income or Veterans Assistance)
- Have a physical, mental, or behavioral health condition that prevents them from getting or keeping a job
- Are in school at least half-time
- Are in treatment for substance use
- Receive unemployment benefits
- Participate in the TANF JOBS program
- Are enrolled, or their parent or grandparent are enrolled, in a federally recognized tribe or a shareholder in an Alaska Native Regional Corporation or Village
- Are receiving services from Indian Health Services, Tribal Health Clinics, or Urban Indian Clinics
- Working for pay at least 30 hours a week or earning at least $935.25 a month (after deducting costs if the work is self-employment)
So what do I do if I qualify for an exemption?
Not every exemption requires proof, but that could change anytime. Before October 31, please update your Oregon ONE account in any of the following ways:
- Online: For people with a ONE Online account, log in and select "Report a Change" on the dashboard.
- By phone: Call the dedicated ABAWD line at 1-833-947-1694, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time).
- In person: Visit a local office.
- By mail, fax or email:
Mail: PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
Fax: 503-378-5628
Email: oregon.benefits@odhs.oregon.gov
So what about people who don't have exemptions?
This is going to suck.
For refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed immigrants, you will have to rely on food banks and soup kitchens until we build out better mutual aid projects. Visiting food banks and soup kitchens, especially church-based organizations, can increase your risk for government reporting. These organizations may also impose additional restrictions on your access to food. Please use extreme care and confirm relative safety with other members of your community before visiting.
If you remain eligible but don't qualify for an exemption, please email us at tbirchcpa@outlook.com for information on our accessible volunteer program, available in both English and Spanish.