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30 Chapter 1: Introduction to the Oregon Programs Eligibility Notebook • Section 1: Intent and overview of programs (07/2026) for those who have no money, but also for those who are working and still find themselves with limited resources to provide for their nutritional needs. Individuals that become eligible for SNAP benefits in Oregon are able to participate in employment and training services. Employment and training (E&T) activities are offered in nearly every area of the state. All Oregon E&T programs help individuals receiving benefits obtain skills, training, work and/or experience. These activities’ goal is increasing individuals’ ability to obtain living-wage employment that leads to a gainful career path. Oregon has two voluntary SNAP E&T programs: SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP), nationally called the SNAP 50/50 program, and the Abled-bodied Adults Without Dependents) program (ABAWD). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) The TANF program provides cash assistance and family stability supports to low-income families with minor children. It is designed to promote personal responsibility for parents. The goal of the program is to help with employment services, family stability and community resources to reduce the number of families living in poverty. TANF cash benefits are intended to help low-income Oregon families meet basic needs for daily living such as food, clothing, shelter and utilities. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, sets regulations and monitors the TANF program for states that operate the program. In order to receive matching funds from the federal government, states must follow federal laws and regulations. The TANF program has undergone numerous changes since it officially began in 1937. Under TANF, states are given the flexibility to design their own programs according to their own needs. With previously approved waivers from the federal government, Oregon has been making changes to the TANF program. Not only is the program able to help parents find employment; it also helps them work on family stability and long- term goal attainment. Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) through the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is a subsidy program. ERDC is intended as a dual generational support for parents and children. ERDC is available for parents and caretakers of children. A caretaker does not need to be related to the child to receive this assistance. When a caretaker has care and control of a child, they are considered a family unit for child care purposes. Families experience more success when their child care is stable and consistent, and they know their children are in a safe and healthy environment. Children can thrive when they have access to quality care that nurtures their learning and development and better prepares them to succeed in school and later in the workforce. Central to DELC child care programs is the principle that families assisted by DELC have the same access to quality care as other families. ERDC assistance is more than a subsidy program for individual families who meet eligibility requirements; it is an investment in a child care system that makes access to quality care possible for these families. The ERDC program is designed to: • Help parents and caretakers pay for the cost of child care while they are working or attending school • Help educate parents and caretakers about quality child care and offer resources to help them find it