Oregonians Face Significant SNAP Changes Starting October 1, 2025: New Federal Work Rules and Benefit Adjustments — Oregon SNAP changes
Oregon is on the cusp of significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), impacting hundreds of thousands of residents. Beginning October 1, 2025, new federal legislation, primarily H.R. 1 passed in July, will introduce stricter work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) and adjust eligibility criteria for certain groups, potentially leading to reduced benefits or complete loss of assistance for many. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is actively informing residents about these upcoming shifts, which are designed to reduce the number of individuals eligible for food stamps. This article explains oregon snap changes and why it matters.
Understanding the ABAWD Work Requirements and Time Limits
A key component of the federal changes involves the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules. Historically, ABAWDs (individuals aged 18-54 without dependents under 18) could receive SNAP benefits for a maximum of three months within a three-year period unless they met specific work requirements. The new federal legislation significantly expands these requirements.
Effective October 1, 2025, ABAWDs in six Oregon counties—Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River—will be subject to these revised work rules upon application or renewal. To maintain eligibility for SNAP benefits beyond the three-month limit, individuals must now meet work requirements by:
* Working or volunteering at least 80 hours per month.
* Participating in a qualifying work program (such as SNAP Employment and Training) for at least 80 hours per month.
* Engaging in a combination of work and work program activities totaling at least 80 hours per month.
Crucially, the definition of ABAWD has been expanded. The age range now includes adults from 18 up to 64 years old. Previously, this rule applied to individuals aged 18 to 54. Furthermore, the exemption for parents with children has been narrowed, now only exempting those with children under 14 years old, whereas before it covered dependents under 18. Several previously exempt groups, including veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and young adults aging out of foster care, are also no longer exempt from these work rules, though tribal members and certain Native American adults may be exempt.
The ABAWD work rules are set to be implemented statewide across all Oregon counties by January 1, 2026. Those who do not meet these requirements may lose their SNAP benefits after three months.
Who is Affected and When?
The timeline for these federal changes means that Oregonians will experience them in phases.
* For those applying or reapplying for SNAP after October 1, 2025: The new rules will apply immediately.
* For those who applied or recertified for SNAP between July 4, 2025, and October 1, 2025: These individuals will receive notifications around October 15, 2025, with potential benefit reductions or closures taking effect on November 1, 2025.
* For those approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025: The changes will be phased in throughout the following year, with individual notices being sent out.
Beyond the ABAWD changes, other groups will see adjustments. Approximately 29,000 households that previously received the Heating and Cooling Full Utility Allowance (FUA) will lose this allowance, reducing their SNAP benefits by an average of $58 per month. Only households with at least one member aged 60 or older or with a disability will automatically qualify for FUA. Additionally, around 1,000 refugees, asylees, and other lawfully present immigrants will have their SNAP cases closed on October 31, 2025, with an estimated 3,000 more individuals no longer qualifying for benefits under new eligibility restrictions.
Overall, ODHS anticipates that more than 313,000 Oregonians may be impacted by these federal changes.
Implications for Oregon
These federal adjustments are part of broader legislative changes, stemming from House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025. This legislation aims to reduce the number of individuals receiving SNAP benefits. For Oregon, this means a significant shift in how the program operates and its funding.
Oregon currently serves over 740,000 residents with SNAP benefits. The new federal law requires states with high SNAP payment error rates—like Oregon—to contribute more to administrative costs and potentially repay benefits issued in error. Preliminary estimates suggest Oregon could face an annual cost of $385 million to $425 million to maintain current service levels, placing considerable strain on the state budget.
The End of the USDA’s Annual Hunger Report
Coinciding with these significant SNAP program changes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the termination of its annual Household Food Security Report. This report has provided decades of data on food insecurity across the nation, serving as a critical tool for policymakers, researchers, and anti-hunger organizations to track trends, measure program effectiveness, and advocate for solutions.
The USDA cited reasons such as the report being “redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous”. However, experts and advocacy groups have expressed concern that ending this report will make it significantly harder to measure the true extent of hunger and to assess the impact of policies like the recent SNAP cuts. The final report, covering 2024 data, was scheduled for release in October 2025.
Preparing for the Changes in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is urging affected individuals to stay informed and prepare for these upcoming changes. Key steps include:
* Watch your mail: ODHS will send notices to households affected by the changes. It is crucial to read these notices carefully.
* Understand the ABAWD work rules: If you are an ABAWD, familiarize yourself with the 80-hour monthly work requirement and potential exemptions.
* Contact ODHS: For specific questions about your eligibility or how these changes apply to you, contact ODHS directly. They have provided helplines and email addresses, including a dedicated team for ABAWD inquiries (833-947-1494 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov).
* Explore WorkSource Oregon: This agency offers resources and support services to help individuals meet work requirements, gain skills, and find employment.
While the federal legislation imposes these changes, Oregon’s state agencies are committed to helping residents navigate these adjustments and providing support where possible. However, officials acknowledge that the state budget may not be able to fully offset the impacts of these federal reductions, suggesting difficult decisions lie ahead.
Sources: Reuters
