Oregon Makes More People Eligible For Food And Childcare Help

OREGON CITY, OR — The pandemic now approaching the beginning of its third year, has been particularly hard on lower-income individuals and families. It hasn't just been a health issue but an economic one.

While Oregon officials recognize that there's only so much that they can do, on Thursday they announced that they were taking a major step.

The Department of Human Services announced that they've raised the amount of money that a person can earn and still be eligible for food and child care assistance.

"Coming into the COVID-19 pandemic, life was difficult for many Oregonians, especially people of color, Oregon Tribal Nations, people with disabilities, and older adults," Human Resources Director Fariborz Pakseresht said.

As COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, we know that many are struggling to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families. This increase will provide critical food support to thousands of Oregonians."

Individuals can earn up to $2,147 a month and families can earn up to $5,660 and still be eligible for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) benefits.

Those are increases from $1,986 and $3,386 a month.

The state's decision to raise the limit so that people who make 200 percent of the federal poverty level – up from 185 percent – means that 18,000 more households will be eligible.

Oregon freed up around $25 million to provide the additional benefits for families.

"It's encouraging to see child care prioritized with other critical benefits to support Oregon families," Oregon Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee.

"This change will help more families access child care at a pivotal time, one that’s brought uncertainty and challenges."

Officials say that people can apply for medical, food, cash, and child care assistance in one place online at ONE.Oregon.gov, over-the-phone at 800-699-9075, or in-person at a local office. Due to COVID-19, Oregonians are encouraged to call ahead before their local office.

They also list the following resources for people in need:

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.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 www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Locate a child care provider by texting ‘children’ to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
• Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center