Oregon reports 93% of SNAP recipients qualify for work rule exemptions

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) --- Most Oregonians subject to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work or activity rules qualify for an exemption, according to state officials.

The Oregon Department of Human Services announced that 93% of individuals currently subject to the requirements meet exemption criteria and the agency is urging recipients to review their status to maintain their food benefits.

Expanded federal rules that took effect in July 2025 increased the number of people required to fulfill monthly activity requirements. Under these guidelines, adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their SNAP household generally must complete 80 hours of work or qualifying activities each month unless they qualify for an exemption or live in a waived region.

Jessica Amaya Hoffman, director of the SNAP program at the Oregon Department of Human Services, urged residents to report any recent life updates that might alter their requirements.

“A change in your life can change whether SNAP work or activity rules apply to you,” Hoffman said. “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.”

Exemption criteria cover a range of personal and medical situations. Individuals may qualify if they are pregnant, physically or mentally unable to work, already working enough hours, enrolled in a qualifying education or training program, living in an exempt county or waived Tribal land, or responsible for caring for another person.

To help recipients verify their status, the department offers a Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form. Staff members can review circumstances, clarify documentation requirements, process reported changes and connect recipients to WorkSource Oregon and other employment resources. The agency sends a counting month notice to individuals who do not meet the monthly activity hours and do not hold an exemption.

The department is hosting a virtual media availability today from 1 to 1:20 p.m. to address questions regarding work rules and exemptions, with a video recording scheduled to be published online following the event.