Over 300,000 Oregonians at Risk of Losing or Experiencing Reductions in SNAP Benefits Beginning November 1

Major Changes to Oregon SNAP Benefits Expected for Over 300,000 Residents Starting November 2025

BEND, Ore. — A significant revision to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon will affect over 300,000 residents beginning November 1, 2025. The changes arise from the recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which passed in Congress on July 4, 2025. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has issued a statement highlighting the implications of this law, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, immigrants, and individuals residing in rural areas with limited service access.

Currently, more than 740,000 Oregonians rely on SNAP benefits, with the typical household receiving around 0 monthly to assist with food insecurity. Dana Hittle, who is co-leading ODHS’ federal response team, emphasized the importance of providing advance notice to affected households. “These changes will inevitably heighten the difficulties many Oregon families face in maintaining food security,” said Hittle.

Impacted Populations and Phased Implementation

The upcoming modifications will not affect all SNAP recipients simultaneously but will be implemented gradually over the following year. Notifications will begin on October 15, 2025, targeting several key demographic groups, including:

1. Households Receiving Utility Assistance: Approximately 29,000 households that previously qualified for the Heating and Cooling Full Utility Allowance (FUA) will see their SNAP benefits decline by an average of monthly. Eligibility for this allowance will now only extend to households with at least one member aged 60 or older or someone with a disability.

2. Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD): Beginning October 1, 2025, individuals aged 18 to 64 without children under 14 in their household will be subjected to new work requirements. In six specific counties — Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River — those who fail to meet these requirements may lose their benefits after three months. These changes represent a tightening of rules, as exemptions for certain vulnerable groups, including veterans and homeless individuals, will be lifted.

3. Lawfully Present Immigrants: Refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking survivors, and other non-citizens who were eligible for SNAP will lose their benefits under the new federal law. It is estimated that about 3,000 individuals in Oregon will be directly affected.

Preparation and Resources for Affected Households

To help residents navigate these changes, the ODHS urges affected families to stay informed and prepare accordingly. They recommend checking for notices that will be mailed in mid-October, and they encourage recipients to understand how the revised requirements may apply to them.

The ODHS also emphasizes the importance of utilizing local resources for food assistance and other support services. Residents can contact ODHS directly for assistance or visit their website for more information on potential resources available to mitigate the impact of these changes.

To reach ODHS for further inquiries:
– Phone: 1-800-699-9075
– In-person: Visit a local office (find one online)
– Email: Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov

By preparing in advance, Oregon’s SNAP recipients can better navigate this transition and maintain access to necessary food resources in the face of upcoming alterations to their benefits.