Greater Columbia 211 can complete food applications over the phone and then immediately submit them to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for processing. Also completes eligibility reviews over the phone and answer any eligibility questions.

Assists individuals and families in accessing social services, such as signing up for SNAP/food stamp benefits and Medicaid, as well as assistance finding food pantries, housing resources, utility and heating assistance, transportation options, employment, and other needed services. Also has limited personal and grooming items.

The Family Resource Center offers information about applying for SNAP (food stamps) and the Oregon Health Plan, subsidized housing, counseling and support groups, and other information about local services and programs. Florence DHS staff visit the Family Resource Center weekly to do intake for people applying for SNAP and/or the OHP
- Distributes and accepts applications for the Lions Club Sight and Hearing Program, which provides vision and hearing tests, glasses and hearing aids to low-income individuals who have no other means of obtaining vision or hearing exams and aids.
- Distributes and accepts applications for Medical Teams International mobile dental vans for low-income individuals without dental insurance or any realistic way of paying for dental care.

Provides access to community services where community members can come in and sign up for WIC, SNAP, Oregon Health Plan benefits, and educational youth classes focusing on health and nutrition. Fresh produce is sometimes available during the summer months.

Conducts community outreach and enrollment assistance to help people apply for SNAP (food stamps) and other state and local programs.

OSU Extension offers community outreach, support and enrollment assistance to help people apply for SNAP and other state and local assistance programs. Outreach workers provide help both in-person and by phone with the initial SNAP application and/or interim change form.

Offers an emergency food box program. Also provides SNAP/Food stamps application assistance both in person and over the phone.

QUESTION-Do people need to provide a current form of photo identification or a Social Security Card to apply for SNAP?

ANSWER-No. For the interview, photo identification may be helpful, but it is not required. A Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworker can verify identity using a Social Security Number (SSN) or another method.
-Applicants do not need to provide a Social Security Card, they do need to provide the SSN for everyone in the family group applying for benefits, and may have to provide further documentation if they do not have a SSN.

You do not need any documents to fill out and submit an application. Applicants can submit a completed application or fill out the first two pages, (name, address and signature), to establish a "filing date".

If the applicants are facing challenges obtaining proof of income or other documents a worker will work with you to obtain income verification and other needed information.

QUESTION-In what situations is an interview with a Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworker required?

ANSWER-An interview with a ODHS caseworker is required when a person applies for SNAP for the first time.

-If a household wishes to continue to receive SNAP (food stamps) after 12 months, they must recertify their eligibility by filling out and completing a new SNAP application and being interviewed.
-Interviews can be conducted over the phone or in person.
-The recertification form is mailed out 45 days in advance.

QUESTION-What is the fastest way to apply and receive SNAP (food stamp) benefits?

ANSWER- It can take up to 30 days for the application, interview and benefits to be issued if a household is eligible for SNAP.
Some clients may be eligible for expedited service if they meet certain criteria such as: household has income of $150/month or less, household has rent/utility payments that are more than both cash on hand and in bank accounts, or client is a migrant farm worker and has less than $100.
Expedited service has a goal of getting an eligible household signed up and receiving benefits in 7 days, but this is not guaranteed.
Applicants need to establish a filing date as this starts the process and timeline for benefits.
Applicants establish a filing date once an application is submitted and received by the ODHS.
Applicants can submit a completed application or fill out the first two pages, only providing their name, address and signature.
An applicant's benefits will be calculated from that filing date if eligibility is determined.

QUESTION-What can I do if I have submitted a SNAP application but I have not received a call from a Department of Human Services (DHS) worker to set up an interview appointment?

ANSWER-To get an update of the SNAP application and request an interview applicants would need to contact ODHS directly using any of the following ways:
-Visit the ONE Home Page (www.one.oregon.gov) to review/update the account.
-Call the ONE customer service number to talk to a ODHS caseworker at 1800-699-9075. They are open Monday – Friday 7am to 6pm
-Visit a local ODHS office in person. Find the address by following this link:
https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/Self-Sufficiency.aspx
-Email ODHS at [email protected] with your case number, full name and DOB.

QUESTION-Is a household that receives income from public assistance programs such as: Social Security (SSI), Disability (SSD/SSDI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Unemployment Benefits, eligible for SNAP (food stamps)?

ANSWER-Yes.
Income from public cash assistance programs is considered "unearned income" by federal regulations; therefore, a household whose sole source of income is from public assistance may be eligible for a benefit that is less than a household with "earned income," such as wages, even if their income amounts are the same. Applicants may need to provide an award letter to the ODHS stating how much they receive as proof of income.
SNAP cash-out is a limited rogram allowed for cases where all individuals in the household are 65 years of age or older, are eligible to receive Social Security benefits and live in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah and Washington Counties. These people can receive their SNAP benefits as a direct bank deposit, check or on an EBT card.
Many things could affect the calculation of the benefit amount such as the number of dependents in the household and/or out-of-pocket medical expenses for people ages 60 and older and adults with disabilities.

QUESTION- If a person's unemployment benefits ended, do they need to provide proof of this to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to apply for SNAP or will receiving unemployment affect the SNAP benefits?

ANSWER- Yes
-A letter or other proof that unemployment benefits have ended may be helpful, however, ODHS may have other means to verify if a person is receiving unemployment benefits or if a person's unemployment benefits have expired.
-Unemployment benefits count as unearned income and could affect the eligibility to receive SNAP benefits. Failure to report unemployment benefits could lead to cancellation or having to pay back benefits.
-The DHS caseworker will explain if receiving unemployment benefits affects the benefits during the interview.

QUESTION-What assets does the Department of Human Services (DHS) take into account when determining eligibility for SNAP (food stamps)?

ANSWER- The DHS may ask how much liquid assets a household or family group has which includes: the amount of money in a checking account, savings account or cash in hand. A person having $25,000 or more in liquid assets might not be eligible for SNAP.

This does NOT include any assets that require paperwork or a process to obtain funds such as: a person's home, retirement accounts, Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) etc.

Receiving SNAP will not affect any of these types of assets.

QUESTION-Does the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) check the amount of funds in bank accounts?

ANSWER- ODHS may ask for bank statements if you are self-employed or an independent contractor, if you report receiving money from another person or if you report having a certain amount of money available to you in your checking or savings account. Applicants will be asked to provide the amount of money you have on hand, in a checking account and in a savings account on the application and/or during the interview. You can always ask your worker why you are being asked to provide a specific document and ask if there is an alternative way to provide proof of income and/or available cash to a household.

QUESTION-If a person just moved from another state what do they need to do to receive SNAP (food stamps) from Oregon (OR)?

ANSWER- They can apply in OR as soon as they are in the state.
If the individual or family is deemed eligible, they will receive benefits in OR once ODHS verifies they are not receiving benefits in another state.
If individuals are having a hard time canceling SNAP benefits in the previous state, they need to speak to a ODHS worker as they may be able to communicate with the previous state to request the cancellation.

QUESTION-Is there ever a case where a household may qualify for a SNAP (food stamp) benefit amount that is too small for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to process?

ANSWER-No. DHS will process any amount a household is deemed eligible to receive for SNAP.

If a household is deemed eligible during or at the end of a month and they receive a pro-rated amount for that first month, that amount would be added to the full amount and loaded on their EBT card at the beginning of the following month.

The lowest benefit amount is $23.

QUESTION- I am only eligible for the minimum benefit, why is it worth my time applying for it?

ANSWER-A $23/month food benefit may not seem like a lot to some people, but you do not have to use it every month and it will accumulate and be valid for use for up to one year. $69 dollars every 3 months or $276/year towards food costs can really help.

-Even if you are only eligible for a $0 SNAP benefit, this indicates you may qualify for other benefits, like reduced Medicare premiums, telephone assistance, free or reduced cost school meals for your children, student loan deferment and other benefits.

-Most farmers' markets accept SNAP and many will match $5-$10-$20 dollars, depending on the market, so if you visit a farmers' market, that offers this incentive, four times in one month, you could receive an extra $20 for fresh produce, which can be the most pricey items on our shopping lists, while supporting local farmers at the same time.

-There are many free nutrition courses, community cooking classes, materials and resources that help individuals and families purchase and prepare nutritious meals for low cost which will help people use a minimum SNAP benefit more effectively.

QUESTION-Who do I have to list on the SNAP (food stamps) application?

ANSWER-ODHS will determine the eligibility based on the relationship to the people in the household, whether they purchase and prepare meals together, and the incomes and expenses for everyone in the group who is applying together.
If the applicant or someone in the family group is pregnant the pregnancy does not count as a member of the benefits group until birth.
If the applicant is age 22 or under, and lives with a parent, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will require that they apply together as a household even if they have their own income and expenses separate and do not purchase or prepare meals together.
Parents who live apart and share custody of minors, can include children on their SNAP application if they purchase and prepare meals for those children 51% of the time or more. ODHS will typically look at whichever parent the child wakes up with and provides 3 meals per day to that child to determine with the parent which meals they feed their child. If the family absolutely cannot agree on who feeds the child more than 51% of the time, or insist that it is an equal 50/50 then neither parent would have the child on their SNAP case.
Married couples are required to apply together. Living together couples who are not legally married but have children(s) together must file as a group, as child(s) tie them together.

Question- How to apply for SNAP benefits?

Answer: In the state of Oregon, individuals can apply for SNAP benefits in different ways: Online, in person, by email, over the phone and by mail.
Please use and refer to the ODHS website to answer questions.

-Online at www.one.oregon.gov
-Visit a local ODHS office to apply in person or to pick up a paper application.
Find the address by following this link: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/Self-Sufficiency.aspx
-Printing or completing one application from this link: https://apps.state.or.us/Forms/Served/de0415F.pdf
Once complete send it by regular mail to: PO Box 14015 Salem, OR 97309
Or send it by email to: [email protected]
-Call the ONE customer service number to apply over the phone 1800-699-9075 Monday – Friday 7am to 6pm pacific time.

QUESTION- If I receive SNAP (food stamps) am I taking benefits from others who need them more than I do?

ANSWER- No. The program expands and contracts with need. If you are eligible but don't get them, you are not "saving" them for someone else.

QUESTION- USING SNAP IS CHARITY?
Answer: No.
SNAP (food stamps) is a program funded by federal tax dollars, we all pay into it, and if it is needed we are able to benefit from it.
SNAP brings more than $1billion federal dollars into Oregon each year, supporting grocers and local agriculture. If every Oregonian who was eligible received SNAP, an additional $100 million in federal dollars would enter our local economy.

QUESTION-What changes do I need to report to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)?

ANSWER:
-You must keep your mailing address current. ODHS closes cases when mail is returned.
-You may want to report changes that may increase your monthly SNAP (food stamp) benefit like reduction in income, increase in housing and utility expenses, additional members of the family group, and out of pocket medical expenses over $35/month for adults ages 60 and older and adults with disabilities.
-If your income was at or below 100%FPL at the time you applied and then increased above 130% FPL, you are required to report the change to the ODHS.
-If your income was already above 130% FPL when you applied and increased to 200% FPL or above, report the change to the DHS.
-If you are unsure what your income change is, report the change and ODHS can verify if the income change will affect your SNAP benefits.
Adults age 60 and older and adults with disabilities have a Simplified Reporting System (SRS) of every 12 months.
-Everyone else must complete a 6 month "Interim Change" report to continue to receive benefits.
-After 12 months of receiving SNAP, households are required to recertify or re-apply by filling out an application, having an interview (in-person or over the phone), and may have to submit documents to the ODHS to continue to receive benefits.
-If you experience an extreme hardship that causes a major loss in income or you are experiencing homelessness you may want to contact your worker to see if you are eligible for an increased benefit amount.
-Changes in benefit amounts occur the following month. Benefits cannot be processed retroactively.

QUESTION: Do I need an address to apply and receive SNAP (food stamps)?

ANSWER: Yes. You need a mailing address to apply and receive SNAP. If you are experiencing homelessness there are many agencies, churches and organizations that will let you use their address.

If you need help finding an organization that you can use for a temporary mailing address please call 211, text your zip code to 898211 or email [email protected]

State agencies are unable to forward mail, so any returned mail will result in the SNAP case being closed. If you change your address make sure to notify the Department of Human Services (DHS) right away.

QUESTION: What if I don't have my pay stub?

ANSWER: If a client is facing challenges obtaining proof of income or other documents, a ODHS worker will work with them to obtain income verification and other needed information.

Wage data and other state income data reporting systems are not used as a sole source of income verification. Information obtained from these screens is always investigated further with the client.

A person experiencing homelessness facing challenges to obtain proof of income or other documents, can talk to an eligibility worker and work with them to obtain income verification and other needed information.

QUESTION- How can I get assistance completing my application?

Answer: There are different ways and places a person can use to get personal assistance with the SNAP application:
-Online through the ONE Applicant Portal. Call 1833-978-1073 if there are technical difficulties with the ONE account.
-In person by visiting an ODHS Front Office. This includes any Self Sufficiency, Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Peoples with Disabilities.
-By phone by calling the ONE customer service center at 1800-699-9075 Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
-Or schedule an outbound call appointment with an eligibility ODHS worker by emailing at [email protected]

QUESTION-What date do my benefits get loaded on my card?

ANSWER-If a household is deemed eligible at the beginning of the month they may receive an Oregon Trail card right away with their benefits, or a portion of benefits, loaded on their card. BUT during or at the end of a month a portion of the benefits would be added to the full amount and loaded on their card at the beginning of the following month.

Benefits get loaded on your card in accordance with the last digit of the Social Security number (SSN) of the head of the household, or main applicant, on the SNAP (food stamps) case. If the last digit is a 0 or 1, the date benefits are issued is the 1st of the month, 2 the 2nd, 3 the 3rd, 4 the 4th, 5 the 5th, 6 the 6th, 7 the 7th, 8 the 8th and 9 the 9th.

QUESTION: What is the "Heat and Eat" program?

ANSWER-"Heat and Eat" is a one-time payment that is added to a SNAP (food stamp) recipient's Oregon Trail card that can be used to purchase food. This funding comes from an energy assistance program (LIHEAP) to assist households that pay energy costs even if they do not pay an energy company directly.

Households always have a right to have their SNAP case reviewed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make sure they are receiving the maximum monthly SNAP benefit. However, a DHS letter about "Heat and Eat" does NOT indicate the household is eligible for an increased monthly benefit.

Households that receive "Heat and Eat" may be categorically eligible for energy assistance but they may be ineligible to receive energy assistance from agencies that require an applicant to have an energy bill in their name. These households may contact the agencies in their area that administer energy assistance to check.

If a member continues to need further information about the Heat and Eat program, call Oregon Housing and Community Services. 1-800-453-5511, select option 2 and then option 3.
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1571

QUESTION-Can a household have more than 1 Oregon Trail card (OTC)?
ANSWER-Yes, a family can have more than 1 adult with an Oregon Trail card for the same account. They can choose the same or different pin numbers, the caseworker is the only person that can add or remove a person to have access to a card assigned to the SNAP (food stamps) account.

QUESTION-If I have an interview over the phone and I am deemed eligible to receive SNAP do I have to go to an office to get my Oregon Trail Card?
ANSWER-No. Your Oregon Trail Card can also be mailed to you.

QUESTION-What should I do if my Oregon Trail Card is lost, stolen or damaged?
ANSWER-If your card is lost or stolen call toll free (855)-328-6715, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, to have your current card cancelled and ask that a replacement card be mailed to you.
-If it is not Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm, then first report the stolen or lost card to 1-888-997-4447, then call the Card Replacement Line to request a new one.
-If a person's card is damaged and no longer works, they can take the card into a local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. As long as the card is identifiable as that person's card than it can be replaced in the office.

QUESTION: Where and how do I use my Oregon Trail Card/EBT card?
ANSWER: You can buy food with your SNAP/Food Stamp benefits.
-If you receive cash benefits you can buy non-food items with your cash benefits, get cash back from your cash benefits when you make a purchase (you will not be charged a extra fee for this), or get cash from your cash benefits without making a purchase (some stores may limit the amount of cash you can get). After the first two withdrawals, your benefits account will be charged 85 cents per transaction.
-You can also get cash from your cash benefits account at an ATM. Your cash benefits account will be charged 85 cents for each withdrawal from an ATM. Some ATMs may charge you another fee as well. You can find out if you will be charged an extra fee by starting to take out money. The ATM will tell you how much it will charge. You can then cancel the withdrawal and try another ATM.
-If you do not see the Oregon Trail sign at a store, ask the store manager if you can use your card to buy things or to get cash.
-For further information visit the website, walk in to your local self-sufficiency office or call. They have a brochure with more information about how to use the Oregon trail card which is available in English, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

QUESTION-Are there programs that require orientations or trainings to continue to qualify to receive SNAP (food stamps)?

ANSWER- Yes.
There are employment and training programs associated with the SNAP program.

-Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (or ABAWD) which requires individuals aged 18 but not yet 52 with no dependents in the SNAP filing group to participate in work requirements. There are some reasons why a person would be exempt from ABAWD. The ODHS eligibility worker will review these exemptions or requirements with the individual.

-Individuals who are not ABAWD may also volunteer for an employment and training program called STEP (SNAP Training and Employment Program) which offers job readiness activities and training. The ODHS eligibility worker can provide more information on STEP.

-OFSET (Oregon Food Stamp Employment Transition) is a program that requires some individuals to participate in mandatory orientations or check-ins for work search purposes, and if the client fails to attend or fails to show good cause why they didn't attend they may get disqualified from receiving SNAP.

QUESTION-What is a medical deduction?

ANSWER-People 60 years of age and older and adults with disabilities who receive Social Security and/or Disability (SSI/SSDI) may also receive a medical deduction, if they have out of pocket medical expenses over $35/month, which may increase their monthly SNAP (food stamp) benefit.

The Department of Human Service (DHS) will ask for verification of bills for medical costs over $35/month including: premiums, co-pays, prescriptions, dentures, hospital costs, nursing care, medical equipment and transportation for medical needs.

QUESTION-Can I apply for SNAP (food stamps) if I am self-employed?

ANSWER-Yes, Self-employed individuals and family groups with monthly income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are encouraged to apply for SNAP.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) may have to see documentation such as bank statements, receipts for expenses, tax forms and/or other documentation to determine the household income. ODHS will also determine if the business is a true small business or an incorporated business as the rules apply differently.

QUESTION: Are there additional benefits to being eligible for SNAP (food stamps)?

ANSWER-Yes. Being enrolled in SNAP may qualify you for other benefits like: reduced Medicare premiums, telephone assistance, free or reduced cost school meals for your children, student loan deferment and other benefits.
-To find programs visit:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s2JML2qaqYIjMHb6PpxKA4jGj_Fxf594wr7JWLuMFW0/edit#heading=h.nc73z2ma9euw

QUESTION-Can I use my SNAP (food stamps) in a state other than Oregon?

ANSWER-Yes. You can use your Oregon Trail Card at any food outlet that accepts SNAP.

Question- Can people age 22 and younger or older receive SNAP/Food Stamps?

Answer: Yes.
People who are age 22 and younger or older, who live at a different address than their parent(s) or are experiencing homelessness, can apply for themselves and do not have to include their parent(s) in their filing group.
People who are age 22 and younger or older and live with a parent will be required to include their parent(s) in their filing group even if they do not purchase and prepare meals together.

QUESTION: What is a "filing" date?

ANSWER: A filing date starts the process and timeline for benefits. Applicants establish a filing date once an application is submitted and received by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Applicants can submit a completed application or fill out the first two pages, only providing their name, address and signature. An applicant's benefits will be calculated from that filing date if eligibility is determined.

QUESTION: What can I purchase with SNAP/food stamps?

ANSWER: Households CAN use SNAP benefits to buy:

Foods for the household to eat, such as bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat.

In some areas, restaurants may be authorized to accept SNAP from qualified homeless, elderly, or disabled people in exchange for low-cost meals.

Households CANNOT use SNAP benefits to buy any nonfood items, such as beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco, pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, vitamins, or medicines. Food that will be eaten in the store, hot foods, and prepared meals CANNOT be purchased with SNAP.

Some agencies that serve low cost meals are able to accept SNAP under very special circumstances, it is best to check directly with the agency to see if they are able to accept SNAP.

Please visit the website for additional information

QUESTION: What can I do if I need a record that I received SNAP for a prior year?

ANSWER: Guides on how to obtain the proof of benefits letter are found on the ODHS Benefits page https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Benefits/Pages/index.aspx
-If the member has a ONE account, by login into the account and clicking on the messages tab, then go to the inbox, find the message that says “SNAP Eligibility Decision” the letter can be saved or printed from this site.
-Call the local Department of Human Services (DHS) that you worked with when you were receiving SNAP and request that they print out a letter of proof that you were receiving SNAP. People often request this because they need it as proof to apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other programs. Local offices should be able to get records for the past three years. If there is a need for records further back the local office will contact an administrative office in Salem to request it.

Question- What if ODHS says I owe back payment or I received a letter stating I owe the ODHS for benefits and I don't understand why, what can I do?

Answer: Contact the Overpayment Unit (OVP) to inquire about their decision and get more information.
Main phone (503) 373-7772

The client can still apply for benefits. If benefits are approved and there is a past overpayment where the client owe ODHS back, then the OVP will eventually see that and begin to deduct 10% of the benefit amount each month until the overpayment has been recovered.
If the client does not apply for benefits and does contact the OVP to dispute their case or make arrangements to repay, however, the OVP recovery unit will take taxes and place a lien on any other type of possible financial income, including garnishing paychecks, until it is recovered.

QUESTION: Why is the Department of Human Services (DHS) asking about my parent(s)/former spouse, I applied for SNAP for myself and we don't pay for food together or share meals?

ANSWER: If you are age 22 or younger and share a dwelling with your parent(s), then the ODHS is required to include you in the same filing group by federal policy. In addition, if you live in the same household as your former spouse along with your children together, you must apply together for SNAP. If you have the same address and are both in the ODHS system, it will notify them that you have the same dwelling.

Question- What is the ABAWD policy?

Answer: Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents, or ABAWDs, are people who receive SNAP benefits and are at least 18 but not yet 52 years-old and do not have a child under the age of 18 receiving SNAP benefits with them.
Federal rules limit SNAP benefits to three months in a three-year period for people with ABAWD status unless they are exempt or participate in verified work activities.
Only people who live in Multnomah or Washington county need to meet the work requirements. All other counties and all Tribal areas are exempt starting on January 1, 2024.

Question: What documents do I need to provide?

Answer: You may need to bring:
An identification, proof of income, Social Security number or proof of legal immigration status for everyone in the household who wants benefits.
Let ODHS know if help is needed in getting the above information.

Question: Can I dispute a SNAP case with ODHS?
Answer: Yes, After the interview, the SNAP office will send you a notice. If the applicant does not qualify for SNAP benefits, the notice will explain why.
If the applicant think the application has been wrongly denied or that they have not gotten the correct amount of SNAP benefits, they should tell the office. If the ODHS agent does not agree, the applicant must ask them to have their case reviewed by a fair hearing official.
People can ask the SNAP office for a fair hearing in writing, in person, or over the phone. The office will give information about the hearing rules in the state.
In some cases, people can continue to get SNAP benefits without a change while they are waiting for the hearing decision.

Question: How can I file a program discrimination complaint?
Answer: If you believe you experienced discrimination when obtaining services from USDA, participating in a USDA program, or a program that receives financial assistance from USDA, you may file a complaint with USDA. OASCR, through the Center for Civil Rights Enforcement, will investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination in programs operated or assisted by USDA.
USDA prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, sexual harassment, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, limited English proficiency, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from a public assistance program.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at:https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide with the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
-Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
-Fax: (202) 690-7442
-Email: [email protected].

QUESTION- What is the Periodic Report?
ANSWER- 6 months after receiving SNAP/food stamps benefits or re-certifying, households must submit a Periodic Report.
-Changes in income that make your income exceed 130% of the FPL must be reported.
-Changes of address and may want to report changes like a reduction in income, increase in housing and utility expenses, additional members of the household and out of pocket medical expenses over $35/month for adults ages 60 and over and adults with disabilities.
-No interview is required during the periodic report.

QUESTION- Do I have to Re-certify to recieve SNAP(food stamps)?

ANSWER- Yes
ODHS mails notification before renewal is due, which is typically every 12 months, with a Periodic Report due at the mid-way point (6 months). Usually, to continue receiving SNAP benefits, renewal paperwork must be completed. Benefits may be delayed if the paperwork is incomplete or submitted late.

-Households where all adults are elderly or disabled and have NO earned income will receive a 24-month certification with a ‘Periodic Review’ due at the mid-way point (12 months).
-Households where all adults are elderly or disabled with earned income will receive a 12-month certification with a ‘Periodic Review’ due at the mid-way point (6 months).
-If a member experiences an extreme hardship that causes a major loss in income or is experiencing homelessness please contact a caseworker to see if you are eligible for an increased benefit amount.
-Changes in benefit amounts occur the following month. Benefits cannot be processed retroactively.

QUESTION- I applied online but have lost my account information or the online application is not working. What can I do?

Answer:
-Follow instructions on the website to retrieve and reset the account User ID and Password. If you continue experiencing issues, call the One Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075 when questions about the account.
-Keep your User ID, password, and tracking number in a safe place.
-Make sure you are using these browsers: Internet Explorer 11, 10, and 9, Firefox 58, Chrome 65, Safari 13, Safari for iOS, and Chrome for Android. If these steps don't work, please call 1833-978-1073 for technical support.

Helps people apply for SNAP/food stamps and other state and local programs.