ODHS offering extra time to request replacement food benefits in select counties following fire losses
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON – (Release from the Oregon Department of Human Services) Need to know:
- If you had to throw away food purchased with SNAP due to the recent wildfires, you can request to replace those SNAP benefits to purchase new food.
- Residents of Baker, Linn, Malheur and Umatilla counties can now request replacement benefits until Aug. 16.
- Residents of Crook, Grant, Gilliam, Harney, Hood River, Morrow, Wasco, and Wheeler counties can now request replacement benefits until Aug. 21.
- Residents of all other counties can request replacements within 10 days of the date food was destroyed.
Oregonians who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the recent wildfires are encouraged to request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Households who receive SNAP and live in the following counties now have until Aug. 16 to request replacement SNAP benefits for food that was spoiled or destroyed due to wildfires:
- Baker
- Linn
- Malheur
- Umatilla
Households who receive SNAP and live in the following counties now have until Aug. 21 to request replacement SNAP benefits for food that was spoiled or destroyed due to wildfires:
- Crook
- Grant
- Gilliam
- Harney
- Hood River
- Morrow
- Wasco
- Wheeler
Households who live outside of these counties must request replacement benefits within 10 days of the loss.
Households who disposed of food bought with SNAP benefits that was destroyed due to these events can request that replacement benefits be issued for the cost of the lost food. The maximum amount of SNAP that can be replaced is the value of the food up to the normal monthly benefit for the household.
Households should be prepared to provide a list of the lost food, the cost to replace it, and may have to provide proof of the event that destroyed the food.
Detailed instructions and the request form can be found online at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/snap-replacement.aspx#disaster.
You can also request replacement benefits by:
- Calling (800) 699-9075
- Email: benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
- Visiting a local office. Find an office near you at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx?serviceid=22
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
