Page 29
29 Chapter 1: Introduction to the Oregon Programs Eligibility Notebook • Section 1: Intent and overview of programs (07/2026) Intent and overview of programs Overview of manual The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority (ODHS|OHA) offer ten unique programs to help individuals and families. These programs are: • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) • Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) • Refugee Programs (REF/REP and REFM)) • Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) • Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) • Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) • Health Systems Division (HSD) medical programs (MAGI Medicaid and CHIP) • Youth Experiencing Homeless Program (YEHP) • Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SEBT) program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The SNAP program is there to help improve the health and well-being of low-income individuals, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and other groups of people by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. In Oregon, ODHS provides SNAP benefits to eligible persons based on the following expectations: • People have the right to access SNAP as a safety net when they find themselves in a crisis such as homelessness, a domestic violence situation or lacking assets to obtain adequate nutrition. • People receiving SNAP are personally responsible for and accountable for achieving their highest level of self- sufficiency. • ODHS|OHA will provide supplementary information as needed to increase the likelihood that people will have adequate nutrition. These referrals can be to other food programs such as Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Meals on Wheels, and free/reduced school lunches. Other resources could involve referrals to access or information on nutrition education, managing a home budget or other food-related issues. SNAP benefits provide not only support to families but also economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works with state agencies, nutrition educators and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions about applying for the program and access benefits. FNS also works with state partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity. ODHS, in partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), provides SNAP benefits to Oregon residents. SNAP recipients include single individuals of all ages, couples, one- and two-parent families. SNAP is a program not only