Extra SNAP Benefits in Oregon Ends in March: Here's What It Means

SNAP benefits emergency payments in Oregon are nearing their end, with the additional allotment slated to be halted in March.

SNAP benefits Oregon recipients will go back to receiving their original SNAP benefits amount before the emergency payments were imposed.

The change in SNAP benefits this year comes after Congress recently passed a spending measure worth $1.7 trillion, which does not cover the emergency allotments to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

In March, the SNAP benefits will be decreased by at least $95 each month for a single-person household. Meanwhile, a family of four will have a larger reduction in their SNAP benefits, with $300 subtracted from their SNAP benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is urging people to be prepared for the change.

ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht noted in a news release that they know without the said emergency food benefits, some Oregon recipients may experience hardship and hunger.

Pakseresht then encouraged the said recipients to contact their partners at 211, Oregon Food Bank, and their local Community Action Agency for support.

SNAP Benefits Oregon

The extra benefits were distributed to help qualifying individuals and families get enough healthy food during the COVID-19 emergency.

Regular SNAP benefits permanently increased by an average of around $36 per person every month.

Oregon also increased the income eligibility limit for SNAP up to 200% of the federal poverty level, which means that an individual with a $2,265 income per month will be eligible to receive food benefits.

Since April 2020, Oregon recipients have been receiving their additional allotments on top of their regular SNAP benefits payments.

Questions about SNAP benefits in Oregon can be submitted to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075.

Its physical office is also open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SNAP recipients in Oregon can also check their regular SNAP benefits by accessing their Electronic Benefits Transfer card at www.ebtEDGE.com

SNAP Benefits 2023

Aside from the removal of the emergency allotments, SNAP benefits recipients will see more changes in their food stamp payments in 2023.

SNAP recipients are also expected to see higher maximum benefits, depending on the number of members of a qualifying household.

A one-person household can receive a maximum SNAP benefit worth $281, which was $250 from the previous fiscal year.

There are also increases in the eligibility limits when it comes to net monthly incomes. From the previous $1,074 to $1,133 for a household size of one in 48 states.

An increase in maximum asset limits was also imposed, with households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or disabled being allowed to have $4,250 of allowable assets.

It was an increase from $3,750 in the previous year.

Meanwhile, the remaining households can have allowable assets worth $2,750 from the previous $2,500.

A cost-of-living adjustment rate was changed to 12.5% starting on October 1, 2022. COLAs for SNAP benefits are adjusted every year based on the rate of inflation.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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