How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Oregon

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Oregon online, in person, or by mail. Each option allows you to submit your information for review.

Apply Online

Applying online is often the quickest method. You can complete the application and upload necessary documents from your computer or mobile device, avoiding a trip to a local office.

Apply In-Person

You can visit a local Department of Human Services (DHS) office to apply. Staff can answer your questions and help you fill out the application on-site.

Apply by Mail

If you prefer a paper application, you can download one from the state's website or request one be mailed to you. Complete the form and mail it to your local office.

Your household’s gross monthly income must fall below certain limits. For example, a one-person household must earn less than $2,510, while a four-person household limit is $5,200. Your net income must also meet a lower threshold.

You must live in Oregon to apply. U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens can receive benefits. Qualifying non-citizens include lawful permanent residents of at least five years, refugees, asylees, and others with protected status.

Able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18–54 generally must work or participate in a training program for at least 80 hours a month. Otherwise, benefits are limited to three months in a 36-month period, though some exemptions apply.

Most other adults must register for work and accept a suitable job offer unless they are exempt, such as for caring for a young child or having a disability. You can find more details on the Oregon SNAP website.

Seniors and people with disabilities may deduct certain medical and shelter costs, which could increase their benefit amount. Students in higher education must meet specific criteria, like working 20 hours per week or participating in work-study.

You must provide a Social Security number for everyone in your household. Certain felony convictions or previous SNAP violations can disqualify an applicant. Households receiving TANF or SSI often meet income tests automatically.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Oregon

For help with your SNAP application or questions about your case, you can contact the ODHS ONE Customer Service Center.

• Phone: 800-699-9075

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT

• Services: Assistance with applications, case issues, and general benefit questions.

See Oregon EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Oregon

Once approved for SNAP, you'll need to know how to use your benefits, what you can purchase, and where to shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is where your SNAP benefits are loaded each month. Think of it like a debit card made for your food assistance. It holds your monthly allowance electronically, so you don't have to handle paper coupons.

Using your EBT card is simple and works just like a debit card at checkout. You will swipe or insert your card and enter a private four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to pay for your groceries.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card is for buying food your household can prepare and eat at home. Eligible items generally include staple groceries that form the basis of a healthy diet. These foods include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

On the other hand, some items cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. These restrictions apply to non-food products and certain prepared items. Ineligible items include:

• Alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods sold ready-to-eat

• Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on budget and make sure you always have funds for groceries when you need them.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

You can check your EBT card balance in a few ways. Your last grocery receipt should show the remaining balance.

You can also call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card for an automated balance update.

Another option is to use a mobile app. The Benny app shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance, and you can earn cashback on eligible purchases.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Oregon

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto your EBT card on the same day each month. Oregon distributes benefits over the first nine days of the month.

The specific day you receive your benefits depends on the last digit of your case number. You can find your deposit date on your approval letter or by checking your case online.

Renewing Your SNAP Benefits

To keep receiving SNAP benefits, you must renew them periodically. This process, also called recertification, confirms you are still eligible.

The ODHS will mail you a renewal packet before your certification period ends. You must complete and return the forms by the deadline to avoid a gap in your benefits.

You may also need to complete an interview. Be sure to report any changes in your household's income, expenses, or address during your renewal.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Oregon

In Oregon, your SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and 9th of the month. Your specific date is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number, which helps you plan your grocery budget.

You can check your specific payment date in our Oregon deposit schedule.

See Oregon EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You have several ways to check your balance. Use the ebtEDGE online portal, the Benny app, or call the number on your card. You can also see your balance on a store receipt or get an ATM balance inquiry.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Oregon EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.