OREGON

Oregon Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Oregon TANF offers temporary cash assistance to families with children up to age 18 as well as pregnant women — and it’s limited to the neediest families with little or no income.

Cash assistance is intended to meet a family’s ongoing basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and utilities while they work toward self-sufficiency.

According to Oregon DHS, a family of three is considered “needy” if its net countable income is less than $611 per month.

How much TANF for a family of 3 in Oregon?

In Oregon, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $506 per month.

How do I apply for TANF in Oregon?

You can apply for TANF through Oregon ONE , or in person at your local DHS Self-sufficiency office . Once your application is received, a case worker will arrange an “intake appointment” to determine your eligibility.

Oregon Department of Human Services
Self-Sufficiency Programs / ONE Customer Service
(800) 699-9075

Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Oregon SNAP helps supplement food budgets for low-income families and individuals, people on public assistance, seniors and people with disabilities.

Benefits are loaded onto what is called an EBT card, some also refer to it as the “Oregon Trail Card” which can be used like a debit card to buy food anywhere EBT is accepted.

Families who receive SNAP may likely qualify for free or reduced lunch program at K-12 schools or free or discounted internet service through the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program .

How much food stamps will I get in Oregon?

Benefits may vary depending on the household size and family income. For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 in monthly benefits or 485 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

What is the income limit for SNAP in Oregon?

Most families in Oregon with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 per month, may qualify for food stamps.

Students, immigrants, and adults between 18—64 without dependents may have to meet additional criteria beyond the income guidelines.

There are several options to apply for food benefits but the easiest one is through the Oregon ONE . If you are a first time user, you will need to create a ONE Online account.

Oregon Department of Human Services
Self-Sufficiency Programs / ONE Customer Service
(800) 699-9075

Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is a state health care coverage for eligible low-income Oregonians, including children, pregnant individuals, single adults, and seniors.

OHP covers physical, dental and mental health care substance use disorder treatment. It also covers lab tests, X-rays and hospital care, including traditional Native American healing practices.

In Oregon, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) primarily operates through a network of 16 Coordinated Care Organizations  (CCOs) serving different regions across the state. These local plans integrate physical, mental, and dental health services into a single delivery system.

What is the maximum income to qualify for OHP?

As Oregon is expanding Medicaid coverage, nearly all uninsured Oregonians age 19–64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level may now gain coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Children under 18 are eligible at higher income limits. Oregon now allows children to stay enrolled until age 6 regardless of income changes.¹

How do I apply for Oregon Health Plan?

Applications for Oregon Health Plan are accepted online through the ONE system  or in person at a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office.

Oregon is also operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Cover Oregon , through which you can apply for Oregon Health Plan, Healthy Kids and private insurance plans.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
Oregon Health Plan / ONE Customer Service
(800) 699-9075

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Bridge

OHP Bridge  is a newer program for adults with slightly higher incomes between 138% and 200% of the poverty level that offers the same free benefits.

Launched on July 1, 2024, it acts as a “bridge” to Medicaid-like coverage, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services without premiums or deductibles.

Current OHP members whose income increases into the “Bridge” range may be moved to the program automatically during their renewal.

Young Adults With Special Health Care Needs

As of January 1, 2025, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is offering benefits to certain young adults ages 19-20 under a new Medicaid eligibility category: Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs (YSHCN ).

Eligibility requirements for young adults ages 19 and 20 include:

• A qualifying health care need that began before age 19, and
• An individual or family income not exceeding 205% of the federal poverty level.

Current OHP members who qualify will automatically receive these benefits starting January 1 which are renewable every 2 years until the age of 25.

To learn more about the YSHCN program, please contact

Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
OHP Client Services
(800) 273-0557

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Housing Benefits

OHP members with certain health conditions may qualify for housing benefits, making Oregon the first state in the nation to offer a statewide rental assistance program through Medicaid.

The program covers rental and utility assistance for up to six months, including due amounts, starting with those at risk of losing their current housing.

Not everyone on Medicaid is eligible. To qualify for rental assistance benefits , OHP members must have a household income that’s 30% or less of the area median income where they live.

To find out more about the OHP housing program and its eligibility,

Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
Oregon Health Plan / ONE Customer Service
(800) 699-9075

Oregon Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids is a free or low-cost health coverage program for eligible Oregon children, up to age 19, who are not already insured. Eligibility is based on age, residency and income.

Healthy Kids includes, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health coverage, and substance abuse treatment.

Kids who qualify for Medicaid will now be covered under Oregon Health Plan at birth and stay enrolled until they turn 6.

What is the income limit for Healthy Kids in Oregon?

Oregon provides CHIP coverage to children from families with income of up to 305% of the federal poverty level, which is about $6,774 per month.

How do I apply for Healthy Kids in Oregon?

Applications for Healthy Kids in Oregon are accepted online through the ONE system  or in person at a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
Healthy Kids Customer Service
(877) 314-5678

Oregon Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Oregon WIC serves lower-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under age 5 who have health or nutrition risks.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Oregon.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Oregon?

WIC serves women, infants, and children in Oregon whose income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

Those who can prove fully eligible for Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan, TANF, SNAP or FDPIR are automatically income eligible for WIC.

How do I apply for WIC in Oregon?

Fill out the WIC Interest Form  to get started or find an agency  that provides services near you to schedule a certification appointment.

Oregon Summer EBT

Summer EBT, also knowns as SUN Bucks, is a grocery benefits program. It helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer months of June, July, and August.

Each summer, families will get one yearly payment of $120 for each eligible child that can be used to buy groceries at authorized retailers that accepts EBT.

The benefits will be loaded to an existing Oregon EBT card (Oregon Trail Card) if you already have one or a newly issued EBT card.

Oregon Department of Human Services
Oregon Summer EBT Call Center
(833) 673-7328

Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)

Families who are working or in school whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for financial help with child care costs.

This child care subsidy program is called Employment Related Day Care (ERDC). Since it is a subsidy, parents are expected to pay for some of the child care costs — known as copayment (copay).

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Oregon?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when the total gross monthly income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application or $4,442 per month.

Families can continue to participate in the program until their income is above 250% of the federal poverty level, or 85% of state median income, whichever is higher.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Oregon?

ERDC has a waitlist for most families applying to the program. Parents may join the waitlist  online, by phone, or in person at a local office.

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
(800) 699‑9075

Student parents who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for assistance to pay for child care costs through the Oregon Student Assistance Commission.

For more information on Student Child Care Program, contact
Peggy Cooksey, Grants Administrator
OSAC Grant Programs
(800) 452-8807 ext. 7443

Oregon Head Start

Oregon Head Start serves pre-school children ages 3 to 5 from families living at or below the federal poverty level; providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services.

Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance are automatically eligible for Head Start, regardless of income. Pregnant women and children birth to 3 may apply for Early Head Start.

What is the income limit for Head Start in Oregon?

A family is eligible for the Head Start program if its household income is at or below the federal poverty level. That’s about $2,221 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for Head Start in Oregon?

To find and apply for Head Start and Early Head Start services in your area, use this locator . Each location has a phone number listed that you can call to ask questions about eligibility.

Oregon Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Oregon LIHEAP provides low-income Oregonians assistance with their home energy expenses, including bill payment assistance, energy education, case management, and home weatherization services.

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $750. Priority is given to elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and households with children.

Oregon also offers the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP), a separate, state-funded program that is available year-round for qualifying customers of Portland General Electric  (PGE) and Pacific Powe

What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Oregon?

Households are income-eligible for LIHEAP when their gross income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) for their household size. For example, a family of three in Oregon with a monthly household income of $5,167 or less might qualify for LIHEAP.

How do I apply for energy assistance in Oregon?

Applications for LIHEAP are accepted from October 1 through June 30 each year, subject to funding availability. You can apply for LIHEAP by scheduling an appointment with a LIHEAP provider  in your community.

Oregon Housing and Community Services
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(800) 453-5511

Oregon Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Oregon LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Households who are at or below 60% of Oregon’s median income are eligible for a one-time credit up to $1,000 applied to their water utilities account. Priority is given to households that have been disconnected or are at risk of being disconnected.

How can I get help with my water bill in Oregon?

If you are struggling to pay your water or wastewater bills, you should submit your application through your local Community Action Agency  along with a copy of your most recent utility bill.

Oregon Unemployment Insurance

Oregon Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own.

To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have, prior to filing a claim:

1. worked at least 500 hours in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters (base period), or
2. earned a total of at least $1,000 during that base period, and
3. total base-period wages of at least 1.25 times the earnings in the highest quarter.

For example, if your highest-paid quarter was $2,000, your total base-period wages must be at least $2,500 ($2,000 × 1.25) during the base period.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Oregon?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $872 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

Where do I file for unemployment in Oregon?

The fastest way to file an initial claim is through the Frances Online  or you may apply over the phone by calling the Oregon Employment Department.

Unless exempt, you must register with iMatchSkills , Oregon’s premier job-matching system, and complete a job seeker profile to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

Oregon Employment Department
Claimant Assistance Line
(877) 345-3484

Oregon Paid Family Leave

Oregon will become the 8th state in the nation to offer paid family and medical leave AND the first in nation to offer 100% wage replacement who earned at least $1,000 in the year prior to claiming their benefit.

Modeled after Oregon’s unemployment insurance program, Oregon’s paid family leave law guarantees every Oregon workers 12 weeks of paid leave for family purposes. The state will also offer safe leave for victims of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault or harassment.

If the covered individual is pregnant, has given birth, or has health issues related to childbirth, they may be able to take up to two additional weeks for a total of 14 weeks.

How much does Oregon paid leave pay?

Weekly paid leave compensation is based on the relation of the employee’s pay to the average weekly wage — capped at a maximum benefit of 120% of the average weekly wage . That’s approximately $1,636.

How do I claim paid leave in Oregon?

Employees may apply for benefits online through the Oregon Employment Department’s new online system called Frances Online  ². If you can’t access Frances Online, call (833) 854-0166.

Oregon Opportunity Grant

Oregon Opportunity Grant is the state’s largest need-based grant program for financially eligible undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time at an Oregon public college or university.

For students with lowest SAI, the maximum award is $4,272 per academic year at an Oregon community colleges and up to $7,800 at an Oregon public university.

To be considered for Oregon Opportunity Grant, you must submit your FAFSA or complete the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) as soon as possible after October 1.

Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)
(800) 452-8807

Oregon Promise

Oregon Promise  is a state-funded “middle-dollar” scholarship designed to cover most or all of the tuition costs for students attending any of Oregon’s 17 community colleges.

The program covers your remaining tuition amount only after any federal Pell Grant and Oregon Opportunity Grant funds have been applied — up to 12 credits per term.

For the 2025—2026 academic year, eligible students with a Student Aid Index of 18,000 or less may receive a minimum annual award of $2,202.

The annual award amounts are set as follows:

How do I apply for Oregon Promise?

To be considered, you must submit both the FAFSA for the year that you will start college and the Oregon Promise application in the OSAC Student Portal.

The application is currently open for students who graduate from high school or earn a GED between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)
(800) 452-8807

Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit

EITC has long been recognized as the single most effective anti-poverty program for working families with children. Oregon’s EITC is built on that success.

Oregon’s EITC, layered on top of the federal credit, can only be claimed by people who earn income through work, and it’s fully refundable, so even if you owe no income tax, you can still claim the full credit amount.

How much is Oregon Earned Income Credit?

Oregon’s current EITC is one of the lowest among states offering EITCs, the credit is set at 12 percent for taxpayers with a dependent under age three, otherwise it is 9 percent.

The credit is now available to those filing with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), effective for tax year 2022 and beyond.

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Oregon?

If your Oregon EITC is $724 and you owe $0 in state income tax, and you receive the full $724 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

Oregon Child Tax Credit

Oregon offers a $1,050 annual credit for each child under age 6 to single parents or families earning up to $26,550 per year. Smaller credits are available for families with incomes up to $31,550.

The credit, known as the Oregon Kids’ Credit , is completely refundable. That means eligible taxpayers can receive the credit back as a tax refund, even if you haven’t filed returns in prior years.

If you have a child under age 6 and plan to claim this credit, be sure to file your Oregon income taxes by April 15 to receive the Oregon Kids’ Credit.

Volunteer organizations like CASH Oregon  and AARP provide free or low-cost tax preparation services. You can also dial 2-1-1 to find local free tax preparation sites

Oregon Department of Revenue
(503) 378-4988