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210 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 5: Financial eligibility Financial eligibility Introduction There are many financial eligibility requirements for ODHS|OHA programs. These can include income and resources, both considered assets. This chapter of the Oregon Programs Eligibility Notebook will cover various aspects of financial eligibility. Categorical Eligibility for SNAP SNAP Categorical Eligibility for SNAP benefits means that a household automatically meets certain eligibility factors for SNAP because of having already met the same eligibility factors for another means-tested program. (A means test compares eligibility factors to predetermined thresholds.)
The Categorical Eligibility determination is fully automated in ONE. The ONE System will make a preliminary screening of Categorical Eligibility to determine if the resource screens need to be displayed or completed for SNAP. When running eligibility, if the filing group is determined to be categorically eligible for SNAP, ONE will then automatically bypass the asset test.
An approved categorically eligible household’s benefit amount depends on household size, countable and adjusted income and allowable expenses. • A benefit group with 1 or 2 people will receive whichever of the following is the higher amount:
The calculated benefit amount, or
The minimum SNAP benefit amount. • A benefit group with 3 or more people will receive the calculated benefit even if it $0. This allows the household to inform ODHS|OHA of changes that may increase their eligibility without requiring a new application. Note: Being eligible for SNAP at any benefit level allows Oregonians to be eligible for other programs, including, but not limited to: Energy Assistance, Free or Reduced Price Meals, Free or Reduced Cost Phone Services, and other programs/services/activities. What it means to be categorically eligible
If the following eligibility factors are verified for the program which granted Categorical Eligibility for SNAP, they are assumed to be met for SNAP as well: • Social Security number (SSN) • Resources
Although the resource is excluded, discuss the resource during the interview to determine if it is generating income. Example: a saving account may be generating Interest Income, which needs to be entered as income. • Sponsored non-citizens’ information.