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273 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 5: Financial eligibility
For most SNAP groups, the excess shelter deduction is the actual amount up to the allowable maximum shelter deduction. However, for groups containing a member who is elderly or is an individual with disabilities, the excess shelter deduction is the actual amount without a limit.
For groups that are homeless, compare the allowable Excess Shelter Deduction against the Homeless Shelter Deduction effective for that federal fiscal year (this will be updated each year and reflected in the 5530). Whichever is greater will be subtracted from the countable income, after all other appropriate deductions, to determine eligibility and allotments for the household. • Step 7: The resulting subtotal is the applicant’s SNAP adjusted income – 100% FPL. It must be compared to the SNAP adjusted income limit provided in OAR 461-155-0190 or the DHS 5530.
If the SNAP adjusted income is equal to or exceeds this limit, the group is not eligible unless they are categorically eligible. If the SNAP group’s adjusted income is below the limit or they are categorically eligible, we continue the calculation to determine the benefit amount. • Step 8: Multiply the subtotal in step 7 by 30 percent (the system will round this amount). This 30 percent of the SNAP adjusted income is the amount considered available to the group to spend on their food needs. • Step 9: Subtract the subtotal in step 9 (the group’s income available for food) from the TFP amount for the benefit group size. The difference is the SNAP benefit amount (unless the situation meets an exception). To manually compute benefits, use the online SNAP Benefit Calculator (https://snapcalc.dhsoha.state. or.us/). Special groups can be over the 200 percent FPL and still be eligible for benefits (e.g., NC1, SEC, elderly or disabled with high deductions). The following example shows how each step is applied in the calculation: Example: Goran is applying for SNAP for himself only. He earns $2500 in earned income and pays $675 per month in court ordered child support for his 2 children who live with their other parent. Goran pays $600 rent and all the utilities including gas for heat. The following calculation reflects dollar amounts that may change yearly for FUA, Standard Deduction, and Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). For current amounts, refer to the DHS 5530.