PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Some Oregon families who rely on food benefits are being asked to provide updated income information as state officials work to ensure people receive the correct amount of help.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) began mailing notices Sept. 16 to about 11,000 people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
The effort is part of a broader push to reduce the state’s SNAP payment error rate, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said was 14.14% during the most recent federal fiscal year.
READ ALSO | Washington permanently blocks illegal federal SNAP fines, upholds aid for legal residents
Oregon’s payment error rate measures how often SNAP benefit amounts are issued incorrectly, either too high or too low. Payment errors generally result from paperwork mistakes or reporting difficulties, not intentional fraud. About 1 in 6 Oregon residents relies on SNAP, and the program brings $1.6 billion into the state each year by helping families afford groceries and supporting local businesses.
Many families struggle to keep up with complicated reporting requirements, including documenting changes in income, housing costs or household members. Those challenges can lead to benefit payment errors. The federal budget bill passed in July 2025 requires states to pay a share of costs based on their payment error rates, adding pressure for Oregon to lower its rate.
Eligibility staff are comparing clients’ reported income with outside income databases. Some people are being flagged because their reported income appears inconsistent with available data. The state is contacting households that report income below 130% of the federal poverty level but are flagged for possible higher income.
“We know SNAP rules and reporting requirements can be complicated and receiving a notice asking for more information can be concerning,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, Oregon Eligibility Partnership interim director. “The most important thing people can do is respond so that our eligibility staff can review the case, answer questions and make sure people receive the benefits they are eligible for.”
If you receive a Missing Information notice, you should:
Read the notice carefully to understand what income information the Oregon Department of Human Services needs.Provide the requested verification by Sept. 28. If you miss the deadline, contact the department anyway, as a worker may be able to help.Respond even if you believe the information is wrong. Staff can work with you to resolve any differences.Do not ignore the notice. Benefits may be reduced or end if the department does not receive a response.
As of Aug. 30, 639,261 people in Oregon were receiving SNAP benefits. State officials expect to continue the income checks into next year, though they are still finalizing the schedule for future mailings.
State leaders say the goal is to ensure every eligible person receives the benefits they qualify for on time and without interruption.
