After determining your chances of receiving benefits, you may apply for food stamps in Oregon in one of three ways: online, by mail or in person at a Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Before you apply, the DHS recommends that you review the list of required documents and the pros and cons of each submission method.

Many of the questions on the OR food stamp application are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As such, it is important to understand both federal and state application guidelines.

What do you need to apply for food stamps in Oregon?

Once you decide to apply for SNAP in Oregon, you must collect personal documents that are relevant to the application. This is because you are required to provide information beyond the name and age of each household member.

For instance, you must provide a Social Security number (SSN) for every person in the house who wishes to receive benefits. As a result, it will be helpful to have Social Security cards or other documents from the Social Security Administration (SSA) readily available.

Other documents that will help you fill out the food stamp application form include, but are not limited to:

• Proof of citizenship or legal presence in the U.S.
• Bank statements.
• Paychecks or verification of employment for each able-bodied household member without dependents.
• Checks for child support payments or foster care assistance, if applicable.
• Proof of unearned income, such as stocks, bonds and real estate, if applicable.
• Utility bills.
• A mortgage, lease or rental agreement.
• Medical bills, if at least one household member is disabled or above a certain age.

If you do not have a steady income because you work freelance, you may provide a reasonable estimate of your monthly earnings. This estimate must be based on your earnings from previous months as a freelancer.

In order to sign up for food stamps in Oregon, you may need to reference other documents depending on your circumstances. If you are a student, for example, you must provide proof of your enrollment at an approved school. You may also need to reference documents regarding your employment on campus.

Applying for Oregon Food Stamps Online

If you wish to apply for food stamps online, visit the DHS application portal and create an account, or log in to your existing account. Creating an account requires you to answer a few preliminary questions regarding your residency in the state, your name, street address, email address and more.

You may begin the food stamp application online after you have created and verified your account. Be sure to follow all directions on the site so you do not accidentally lose your work. If you have completed a portion of the application and want to finish the rest later, you may save your work, log out and come back to it.

You may also use this application portal to apply for other assistance programs. For more information on applying for SNAP, download our free guide.

Submitting an Oregon Food Stamps Application by Mail or Fax

If you do not want to apply for SNAP online because the online application does not offer your primary language or for another reason, you may apply by mail or fax. To do so, you must first download and print the application from the DHS website or request one from your local office. PDF versions of the application are available in the following languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Russian
• Somali
• And more

If you are unable to open the PDF of your preference for some reason, you may send an email to the DHS explaining the issue.

Once you have completed the Oregon SNAP benefits application, sign it and mail or fax it to your local DHS office.

Applying for SNAP in Person in Oregon

Do you want to apply for SNAP benefits in person? If so, contact a local office for in-person application instructions and business hours. If you are applying for a family or as a single adult without a disability, you must visit a local DHS “self-sufficiency” office. If you are elderly or have a disability, you may contact a “seniors and people with disabilities” office. These offices may provide you with additional assistance as needed.

Checking Your SNAP Application Status in Oregon

You may check your SNAP application status by logging onto your DHS account if you applied online. The site may tell you whether your application was submitted, received or pending. You may also contact your local DHS office directly for an update. Remember that you will receive a decision on your submission within 30 days, and your DHS office will notify you as soon as a decision is made.

Oregon Food Stamps Interview Process

You must complete a food stamp interview after submitting your application, as required by federal law. The interview will take place before a decision is made and help the agency determine if you meet the requirements to receive benefits. In addition, you may be required to bring the following, among other documents:

• A form of identification
• Proof of your employment and income
• SSNs for all household members who wish to receive benefits
• Proof of citizenship or legal presence in the U.S.

If you are a student, elderly or disabled, you may be required to bring documents that are related to your circumstances.

About SNAP Recertification in Oregon

If you wish to complete SNAP recertification, you must follow your local DHS office’s guidelines on renewing your benefits. It is important that you apply before your benefit period ends. In general, you must complete the application again. A case worker will then review your information and decide whether you still qualify. Once the DHS receives your application, it will notify you within 15 days.

About Appealing a Food Stamps Denial in Oregon

If your application for food stamps is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision by requesting a hearing. There is a deadline for when you can request a hearing, so it is important to act quickly.

To begin the appeals process, you may fill out a hearing request form or contact your local DHS office by phone, in writing or in person. Learn more about the SNAP denial process when you download our free guide.

Last Updated: February 27, 2023