SNAP (food stamps) in Multnomah County

Looking for your SNAP application status or information about your Oregon Trail (EBT) card? Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, previously known as food stamps) can help you get the food you need when your budget is limited. The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) runs the SNAP program in Oregon. 

Do you need assistance with the paperwork or help navigating the SNAP process? Contact a Multnomah County SNAP Enrollment Specialist by calling/texting Cynthia 503-320-6658 or by emailing us at SNAP@multco.us. Please note we do not have access to the DHS system to give you an update on your open case or submitted application.

• Are you eligible?
• How to apply
• Get help with your application or your case
• Other Resources

Are you eligible?

Households with income below the income guidelines may be eligible for SNAP benefits. 

Students, immigrants, and adults between 18 and 50 without dependents may have to meet additional criteria beyond the income guidelines. Check out our Questions and Answers for more information.

2024 Oregon Household Income Guidelines (200% Federal Poverty Level)

How to apply for SNAP

Step 1: Turn in an application

There are options:

• Apply online. Available in English. For help with the online application call ODHS 1-800-699-9075.

• Contact your local office to get a paper application. Return completed applications to ODHS by mail, fax or drop off to your local office or email it to oregon.benefits@dhsoha.state.or.us.

• Need help with the paperwork or navigating with the SNAP application process? Connect with MultCo SNAP Outreach! Call/text: Cynthia 503-320-6658. Email: SNAP@multco.us. We can be available on weekends and evenings, by appointment. 

• Print or fill in an application (English, Spanish, Arabic, Burmese, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, Large Print English, or Large Print Spanish). Return completed applications to DHS by mail, fax or drop off to your local office or email it to oregon.benefits@dhsoha.state.or.us.

• If you need more assistance in a language other than English, please call the DHS Language Line at 1-833-604-0877.

• If you are an adult 60 and older or a person with a disability age 18 and older contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-988-3646 for assistance.

Need help with the paperwork or navigating with the SNAP application process? Connect with MultCo SNAP Outreach! Call/text: Cynthia 503-320-6658. Email: SNAP@multco.us. We can be available on weekends and evenings, by appointment.

Step 2: Contact from ODHS

ODHS will contact you after they have processed your application. They may ask for additional information and documents and review any additional eligibility criteria, if applicable. Additional documents can be delivered in person, by mail, by fax, or by email to your local ODHS office.

The entire process, including submitting requested documents, must be completed within thirty days after ODHS receives your application, though it is often finished much sooner.

Step 3: Get your benefits! 

If approved, your monthly SNAP benefits will be available on an Oregon Trail Card that you can pick up or get mailed to you.

Learn more about the Oregon Trail Card.

Get help with your application or your case

• Already turned in an application or have an open case? Get updates about your application or open case by connecting directly with DHS at a local office or an Aging and Disability Services office (Multnomah County).

• Have questions? Review our Questions and Answers.

• Need help with the paperwork or navigating the SNAP application process? Connect with MultCo SNAP Outreach! Call or text Cynthia 503-320-6658 or email us at snap@multco.us. Through a partnership with ODHS we are able to support and guide you through the application process, but please note we do not have access to the ODHS system to give you an update on your open case or submitted application.

Other Resources 

Families who receive SNAP may still struggle with getting enough food on their plates and some families are not eligible for SNAP, but still need help with food. Check out our Food Assistance page or connect with 211 for help navigating other food and other general resources. To connect with 211, Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898211, email help@211info.org or visit 211info.org.

Families and Individuals who receive SNAP may also be eligible to receive additional benefits just because they are SNAP-recipients. Here are just some of those benefits:

• Use your SNAP benefits at local farmers markets and CSAs and stretch your SNAP benefits through the Double Up Farm Bucks Program.

• Use your SNAP to buy food-producing seeds and edible plant starters at selected SNAP retailers

• Qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program at K-12 schools.

• Receive nutrition education and food vouchers from Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program if you are pregnant, a new mom, or if you are caring for a baby or child under 5 years old. 

• Qualify for the Low-Income Fare Program from Tri-Met for discounts on single ride, daily, and monthly fares. 

• Receive a free cell phone and service or a discount on phone or broadband bill through the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program.

• Internet Essentials from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home.

• Buy $5 tickets to watch plays, music, theater, dance shows, and other entertainment for the entire family through the Arts for All and Zoo for All programs. 

• Access SNAP Training and Employment Programs (STEP), which provides support for SNAP-recipients to access training and education programs for better employment opportunities. Talk to your local DHS branch for more information. 

• College students may be eligible to postpone paying back student loans while receiving SNAP benefits. For more information, talk to your school financial aid department.

• The Pongo Fund provides quality pet food and veterinary care for family pets.

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