Food, rent and energy bill assistance program information

Accessing essential services such as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, (SNAP) and other food resources, rent and energy bill assistance.

En esta página

  1. SNAP federal funding and changes
  2. EBT Safety
  3. Finding additional food assistance
  4. Rent and energy bill assistance 

Updated: January 2, 2026

SNAP federal funding and changes

There are no plans to end SNAP benefits. SNAP is fully funded and benefits will not be interrupted even during any potential future government shutdown that takes place before September 30, 2026. Read more about SNAP benefits in Oregon here.

Federal changes to requirements for SNAP eligibility took effect October 1, 2025. If your benefit payment is less than your previous benefit payments, it is possible your SNAP eligibility has been affected by federal program changes. 

These changes impact three main groups of SNAP participants: 

  1. Some households receiving utility assistance
  2. Able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 without children under the age of 14 (in their SNAP group)
  3. Certain SNAP recipients with current refugee and asylum status

Learn more about the updated federal work requirements for SNAP benefits. 

Flyer on SNAP Changes: English (tinyurl.com/SNAPChanges) | Español  (tinyurl.com/CambiosSNAP) 

Amharic | Arabic | Chinese (Simplified) | Chuukese | Dari | French | Haitian Creole | Korean | Marshallese | Nepali | Russian Somali | Swahili | Ukrainian | Vietnamese

Flyer on SNAP Work Requirements: English | Español |Arabic | Chinese (Simplified) | Chuukese | Farsi | Korean | Nepali | Russian | Somali | Swahili | Ukrainian |Vietnamese 

Updates from the State of Oregon on federal impact to health and social service programs can be found at: 

EBT Safety

Electronic theft of benefits by skimming devices to steal Oregon EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN) is on the rise. While the State may be able to replace stolen Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Refugee Cash benefits, federal funding replacing stolen SNAP benefits ended in December 2024 and cannot be replaced. Take steps to protect your EBT card and benefits.

Other SNAP Changes

Do I need to re-apply to SNAP? 

At this time, the SNAP recertification process has not changed in Oregon. If there is a change to your benefits or eligibility status, SNAP recipients will receive communication by mail from the Oregon Department of Human Services. 

Call the Oregon Public Benefits Hotline to talk with someone about your situation (800-520-5292, Monday-​Thursday).​

SNAP recipients seeking information about Public Charge can learn more by visiting the Oregon Law Center Public Charge Fact Sheet.


New Interview Requirements for SNAP Benefits

Starting June 1, 2026, anyone applying for or renewing their monthly SNAP benefits must complete an interview. This includes households that previously did not need an interview, such as those where:

  • All adults are age 60 or older, or have a qualifying disability under SNAP rules; and
  • No one in the household receives income from working.
     

What you can do now:

  • Make sure the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has your current contact information.
  • Watch for mail, email, text messages, or phone communications from ODHS about your interview.
  • Respond to messages from ODHS to avoid delays. You can communicate with ODHS online through your ONE Online account, by phone by calling 800-699-9075 or in-person at your local ODHS benefits office. 

If you think your SNAP benefits were denied or closed by mistake, you have the right to request ‌an administrative hearing. You can ask for an administrative hearing by phone, in person with an ODHS employee, in writing, or by filling out form MSC 0443. 
 

Public Charge 
The federal Public Charge policy is changing. If you are considering applying for a green card, the new policy allows immigration officials to consider any income-based public benefits programs you are using, as of September 18, 2026. To learn more about the Public Charge, read the Protecting Immigrant Families Public Charge Fact Sheet.

Finding additional food assistance

To find food assistance in Multnomah County, visit multco.us/food or call 2-1-1.

Need help applying for SNAP? Contact Multnomah County’s SNAP Outreach Team by calling or texting 503-320-6658 or emailing snap@multco.us. 

Older adults and people with disabilities can get the best help by contacting ​the County’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) helpline. Call 503-988-3646 ​or search the ADRC online database of resources.

Rent and energy bill assistance 

Multnomah County offers information on how to access rent assistance, energy bill assistance and resources for basic living needs. 

Community members can also connect with 211info, anonymously, to find information about many types of resources.

Thanks, in part, to advocacy by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, Pacific Power and Portland General Electric (PGE) cannot disconnect customers who are enrolled in their bill discount programs, or customers with medical certificates through March 1, 2026.

Customers of NW Natural, Pacific Power, and PGE who self-attest to economic hardship will receive a 30-day pause on disconnections through March 1, 2026.

Última revisión 21 de Julio de 2026

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