SNAP and food help for older adults in Oregon

Who qualifies for SNAP

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) runs SNAP. Most Oregon households qualify under a broader rule that uses a higher gross income limit.

For bigger households, ask ODHS or use the chart on the ODHS SNAP page.

What counts and what does not

Income that counts: Social Security, SSI, pensions, wages and other money coming in each month.

Costs that lower your countable income if you are 60 or older or disabled:

• Medical costs. Oregon is one of the states that gives a standard medical deduction. If your own out-of-pocket medical costs are more than $35 a month, you get a deduction of $170. If your real costs are higher, you can show proof and use them instead. ODHS requires proof of medical costs.
• Housing costs. ODHS says older adults can have their full shelter costs counted, so high rent or housing costs can raise your benefit.

What usually does not count: Your home, your car and your bank savings usually do not affect SNAP in Oregon, because most households are covered by the broader rule.

Someone to shop for you. If it is hard to get to the store, you can name a trusted person to buy food with your benefits. Fill out an alternate payee form when you apply or any time after.

How you get benefits. Most people get an EBT card. If you are 65 or older and live in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah or Washington County, you can choose direct deposit, a check or an EBT card.

Other food help for older adults

Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program

This Oregon Health Authority program gives older adults vouchers to buy fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables and cut herbs from approved farmers at farmers markets and farm stands. Grocery stores do not take them, and non-local items such as bananas and oranges are not allowed.

You also must live where your meals are not provided for you.

• How you sign up: Each year in late April, people who may qualify get a notice by mail or email. To take part, you fill in the online Senior Response Webform by the due date. Paper replies by mail are no longer accepted. Only one response per person counts.
• If too many people reply: funding is limited, so the Oregon Health Authority picks people at random from those who replied on time. If you are picked, your booklet comes by mail. If not, you get a postcard.
• Using the vouchers: shop from June through November. The 2026 vouchers must be spent by November 30, 2026. Farmers cannot give change, so spend the full amount. Lost or stolen vouchers cannot be replaced. Someone else may shop for you.
• No effect on other help: taking part does not change your SNAP or Medicaid.
• 2027 season: the 2026 vouchers are all given out. Watch for the notice in late April 2027.
• Questions or help with the webform: call 1-866-299-3562.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (food boxes)

A monthly box of shelf-stable food for people 60 and over with low income. In Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank runs it in 10 counties. Ask the ADRC or the Oregon Food Bank whether your county has it.

Meals

Senior meal sites and home-delivered meals (such as Meals on Wheels) are open to people 60 and over. Call the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 855-673-2372 to find meals near you.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Online: benefits.oregon.gov.
2. By phone: call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. You can apply by phone or ask for a paper application.
3. In person: at a local ODHS or Aging and People with Disabilities office.

Have proof ready of your income, your housing costs and any medical costs you pay yourself. Proof of medical costs is needed for the medical deduction. For help with the application, call the ADRC at 855-673-2372.

After you apply

• Report changes in income, address or household to ODHS at 800-699-9075.
• Mid-period report and renewal: about halfway through your benefit period you get a Periodic Report packet. Your renewal packet comes about 45 days before renewal is due. Send each back by its due date.
• Appeals: If you are denied or your benefits are cut, you have 90 days from the date of the notice to ask for a hearing (OAR 461-025-0310). For SNAP, you can ask orally or in writing, or use form DHS 443.

Common mistakes

• Not listing medical costs. If you do not report and prove them, you will not get the medical deduction.
• Thinking savings will disqualify you. In Oregon savings usually do not count.
• Missing the Senior Farm Direct webform deadline. The late-April notice is your only chance for that year's vouchers.

Free help

• ADRC of Oregon: 855-673-2372 for meals, food boxes and help applying.
• ODHS ONE Customer Service Center: 800-699-9075.
• 211info: dial 211 for local food pantries.

See all benefits in Oregon and SSI.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Oregon agencies

Check what you may qualify for