Oregon Dept. of Human Services

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News Release

Many Oregonians May Qualify For SNAP Work Or Activity Rule Exemptions Without Realizing It - 08/19/26

Media resources

Instead of conducting individual interviews for this announcement, ODHS will host a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 1:20 p.m. Members of the media will have an opportunity to ask questions about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions. RSVP for the media availability by emailing Sara Campos at sara.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov.

 

A recording of the media availability will be available after the event: https://vimeo.com/showcase/12330638

 

A Spanish-language video summarizing the key messages will also be available on Vimeo. Spanish-language media may request interviews or submit questions in Spanish by contacting Adriana Taylor at Irma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov.

 

Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP work or activity rule exemptions without realizing it

Salem, Ore. — Many Oregonians who are required to meet SNAP work or activity rules may qualify for an exemption based on their health, work, education, caregiving responsibilities or other circumstances. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is encouraging people to contact the agency so staff can review their situation and help them keep the food benefits they qualify for.

 

Currently, 93% of Oregonians subject to SNAP work or activity rules qualify for an exemption.

 

“A change in your life can change whether SNAP work or activity rules apply to you,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS SNAP Director. “You may have started caring for someone, experienced a health change or begun a new job or training program. Contact us before assuming you have to meet the requirements. We’ll listen, explain your options and help you take the next step.”

Common reasons someone may qualify for an exemption

Depending on their circumstances, people may qualify for an exemption if they are:

  • Pregnant.
  • Physically or mentally unable to work.
  • Already working enough hours to meet the requirement.
  • Participating in a qualifying education or training program.
  • Move to an exempt county or waived Tribal land.
  • Responsible for caring for a child or another person, depending on their circumstances.

Report changes as soon as possible

Life circumstances change. If you've started a new job, become pregnant, experienced a change in your health or your household responsibilities have changed, contact ODHS as soon as possible. Those changes may mean you now qualify for an exemption.

 

People who think they may qualify for an exemption can also complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form. The form can help identify whether someone may qualify for an exemption and report volunteer hours, work activities or other qualifying information to ODHS.

How ODHS can help

People who contact ODHS may:

  • Review their individual circumstances to determine whether an exemption applies.
  • Learn what documentation may be needed.
  • Report changes in work, volunteer activities or household circumstances.
  • Complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form.
  • Connect with WorkSource Oregon and other employment and training resources if they need to meet the work or activity requirements.

About SNAP work or activity rules

As of July 2025, federal changes expanded SNAP work or activity rules, increasing the number of Oregonians who need to meet these requirements to continue receiving food benefits.

 

Adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their SNAP household generally need to complete 80 hours of work or qualifying activities each month unless they qualify for an exemption or live in a waived area.

 

If someone does not meet the requirements and does not qualify for an exemption, ODHS sends a counting month notice. Anyone who receives one of these notices is encouraged to contact the SNAP Work or Activity Rules Team to discuss their options.

Learn more

For more information about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions:

  • English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
  • Spanish: Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo

ODHS SNAP Work or Activity Rules (ABAWD) Team

Many Oregonians May Qualify For SNAP Work Or Activity Rule Exemptions Without Realizing It - 08/19/26

Media resources

Instead of conducting individual interviews for this announcement, ODHS will host a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 1:20 p.m. Members of the media will have an opportunity to ask questions about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions. RSVP for the media availability by emailing Sara Campos at sara.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov.

 

A recording of the media availability will be available after the event: https://vimeo.com/showcase/12330638

 

A Spanish-language video summarizing the key messages will also be available on Vimeo. Spanish-language media may request interviews or submit questions in Spanish by contacting Adriana Taylor at Irma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov.

 

Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP work or activity rule exemptions without realizing it

Salem, Ore. — Many Oregonians who are required to meet SNAP work or activity rules may qualify for an exemption based on their health, work, education, caregiving responsibilities or other circumstances. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is encouraging people to contact the agency so staff can review their situation and help them keep the food benefits they qualify for.

 

Currently, 93% of Oregonians subject to SNAP work or activity rules qualify for an exemption.

 

“A change in your life can change whether SNAP work or activity rules apply to you,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS SNAP Director. “You may have started caring for someone, experienced a health change or begun a new job or training program. Contact us before assuming you have to meet the requirements. We’ll listen, explain your options and help you take the next step.”

Common reasons someone may qualify for an exemption

Depending on their circumstances, people may qualify for an exemption if they are:

  • Pregnant.
  • Physically or mentally unable to work.
  • Already working enough hours to meet the requirement.
  • Participating in a qualifying education or training program.
  • Move to an exempt county or waived Tribal land.
  • Responsible for caring for a child or another person, depending on their circumstances.

Report changes as soon as possible

Life circumstances change. If you've started a new job, become pregnant, experienced a change in your health or your household responsibilities have changed, contact ODHS as soon as possible. Those changes may mean you now qualify for an exemption.

 

People who think they may qualify for an exemption can also complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form. The form can help identify whether someone may qualify for an exemption and report volunteer hours, work activities or other qualifying information to ODHS.

How ODHS can help

People who contact ODHS may:

  • Review their individual circumstances to determine whether an exemption applies.
  • Learn what documentation may be needed.
  • Report changes in work, volunteer activities or household circumstances.
  • Complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form.
  • Connect with WorkSource Oregon and other employment and training resources if they need to meet the work or activity requirements.

About SNAP work or activity rules

As of July 2025, federal changes expanded SNAP work or activity rules, increasing the number of Oregonians who need to meet these requirements to continue receiving food benefits.

 

Adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their SNAP household generally need to complete 80 hours of work or qualifying activities each month unless they qualify for an exemption or live in a waived area.

 

If someone does not meet the requirements and does not qualify for an exemption, ODHS sends a counting month notice. Anyone who receives one of these notices is encouraged to contact the SNAP Work or Activity Rules Team to discuss their options.

Learn more

For more information about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions:

  • English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
  • Spanish: Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo

ODHS SNAP Work or Activity Rules (ABAWD) Team