Oregon residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be eligible for replacement funds if they lost food due to a recent natural disaster. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved an extension that allows additional time to request these benefits.
Extended Deadline for SNAP Replacement Benefits
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has granted Oregon an extension, giving eligible SNAP recipients until March 26, 2025, to report food losses caused by the February 24, 2025, storm. Typically, SNAP beneficiaries have only 10 days to request replacement benefits, but this waiver extends the timeframe to 30 days for affected counties.
This extension ensures that families who lost food due to power outages, flooding, or storm damage have adequate time to file a claim and recover some of their losses.
Eligible Counties for SNAP Replacement Benefits
SNAP recipients residing in the following 18 counties in Oregon are eligible for the extended deadline:
- Benton
- Clackamas
- Clatsop
- Coos
- Deschutes
- Douglas
- Hood River
- Jackson
- Josephine
- Klamath
- Lane
- Lincoln
- Linn
- Marion
- Multnomah
- Polk
- Tillamook
- Washington
How to Request SNAP Replacement Benefits
If you live in one of the affected counties and experienced food loss due to the February 24 storm, you can file a request for replacement benefits through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). You can apply using one of the following methods:
- In-person: Visit your local ODHS office.
- By phone: Call 800-699-9075 for assistance.
- Online: Fill out the SNAP Replacement Benefits Request Form and submit it via email at ODHS SNAP Replacement Website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who qualifies for SNAP replacement benefits?
Anyone who lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a natural disaster, power outage, fire, flood, or storm damage in one of the eligible counties can apply.
2. What proof do I need to provide?
Applicants may need to describe the amount and type of food lost and provide details about the disaster, such as power outage duration or storm impact.
3. Will I receive the full amount of my lost food?
Reimbursement is based on the amount of food lost and is generally limited to the amount of SNAP benefits received in the affected month.
4. How long does it take to receive replacement benefits?
Once approved, benefits are typically issued within a few days and loaded onto the recipient’s Oregon EBT card.
5. What if I miss the March 26, 2025 deadline?
Unfortunately, requests submitted after the deadline will not be processed, so it’s crucial to apply before the deadline.
Final Reminder
If you’re a SNAP recipient in Oregon affected by the February 24 storm, make sure to file your request before March 26, 2025. Take advantage of this extended deadline to recover the food you lost due to the disaster. For further assistance, contact the Oregon Department of Human Services at 800-699-9075 or visit their official website .