The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has reassured residents that their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are safe, despite recent directives from the Trump administration and a Supreme Court stay that could affect funding. The federal administration had instructed states to roll back full SNAP benefits that were distributed last week under court orders.
In response to growing concerns, ODHS took to social media to clarify the situation. They stated, “We’ve heard some people are worried that the Supreme Court’s order means they can’t use their EBT cards or that their November SNAP benefits will be taken away. This is not true. Once benefits are on your Oregon EBT card, they belong to you! You can keep using them as usual.”
For those who believe they should have received November SNAP benefits or a different amount than anticipated, ODHS encourages contacting their local office or calling 800-699-9075, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. In light of the ongoing situation, ODHS also cautioned that federal changes and directives regarding SNAP could lead to variations in benefit amounts. They urged residents to continue applying, renewing, and reporting any changes that might affect their benefits to ensure they receive timely assistance once distribution resumes.
The state of Oregon is standing firm against federal attempts to reverse court-authorized SNAP benefits. Governor Tina Kotek responded forcefully to the Trump administration’s actions, stating, “Oregon acted lawfully, given the federal court’s directive and the communications with the USDA.” She expressed her dismay at the President’s attempts to reclaim funds, asking, “What would he prefer to spend the money on over groceries for people in need?”
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Kotek reassured recipients that current SNAP benefits remain unaffected, and they should continue using their Oregon Trail Cards. Her emergency food declaration is still active, and her office is collaborating with Attorney General Dan Rayfield to ensure that food assistance remains available for Oregonians.
Attorney General Rayfield expressed strong opposition to the federal actions, describing them as a “bizarre turn of events.” He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that delays in payment are contributing to hunger in communities across the state. Rayfield emphasized, “In America, we should never accept when Americans are going hungry,” calling attention to the 214,000 children in Oregon who rely on food assistance. He praised Governor Kotek for her commitment to prioritizing the needs of residents and vowed to resist any federal attempts to penalize the state for providing necessary food aid. “We’re gonna fight like hell to make sure that they are unable to do that,” Rayfield affirmed.
