About 18,000 more Oregon families now qualify for state help with food and child care expenses.
The Oregon Department of Human Services on Thursday announced that state officials have increased the income limits for families to receive supplemental nutritional assistance, also known as SNAP or food stamps, and daycare subsidies for working parents.
As of Jan. 1, both programs now allow families to earn up to 200% of the federal poverty limit to qualify. The previous limit was 185% of federal poverty.
That means people earning up to $2,147 a month, or $3,660 for a family of three, are eligible for both programs. The previous limits were $1,986 a month for an individual or $3,386 for a family of three.
“It’s encouraging to see child care prioritized with other critical benefits to support Oregon families,” Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee said in a statement.
“This change will help more families access child care at a pivotal time – one that’s brought uncertainty and challenges.”
Oregonians can apply for these programs, as well as other state benefits, online at ONE.Oregon.gov, by phone at 800-699-9075 or in-person at a local office, though local offices may have reduced hours or be closed due to the pandemic. People seeking an in-person appointment are encouraged to call ahead.
-Rachel Alexander