Oregon SNAP Benefit Estimator
Use this calculator to get an estimate of your potential monthly SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in Oregon. Please note that this is an estimate, and actual eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) upon application.
function calculateSNAP() {
// Lookup tables (Federal FY2024 values, commonly adopted by states like Oregon)
var fpl130 = {
1: 1632, 2: 2214, 3: 2797, 4: 3379, 5: 3961, 6: 4543, 7: 5125, 8: 5707
};
var fpl100 = {
1: 1255, 2: 1703, 3: 2151, 4: 2599, 5: 3047, 6: 3495, 7: 3943, 8: 4391
};
var maxBenefits = {
1: 291, 2: 535, 3: 766, 4: 973, 5: 1155, 6: 1386, 7: 1532, 8: 1751
};
var standardDeductions = {
1: 193, 2: 193, 3: 193, 4: 208, 5: 242, 6: 277, 7: 277, 8: 277
};
var heatingCoolingSUA = 450; // Example Oregon Heating/Cooling Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)
var shelterCap = 672; // Federal shelter deduction cap for non-elderly/disabled
var medicalDeductionThreshold = 35;
var minimumBenefit = 23;
// Get input values
var householdSize = parseInt(document.getElementById("householdSize").value);
var isElderlyDisabled = document.getElementById("isElderlyDisabled").checked;
var grossEarnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossEarnedIncome").value);
var grossUnearnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossUnearnedIncome").value);
var monthlyMedicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyMedicalExpenses").value);
var monthlyChildCareExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyChildCareExpenses").value);
var monthlyRentMortgage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyRentMortgage").value);
var monthlyPropertyTaxInsurance = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyPropertyTaxInsurance").value);
var hasHeatingCoolingCosts = document.getElementById("hasHeatingCoolingCosts").checked;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("snapResult");
resultDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Clear previous results
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(householdSize) || householdSize 10) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid household size (1-10).";
return;
}
if (isNaN(grossEarnedIncome) || grossEarnedIncome < 0 ||
isNaN(grossUnearnedIncome) || grossUnearnedIncome < 0 ||
isNaN(monthlyMedicalExpenses) || monthlyMedicalExpenses < 0 ||
isNaN(monthlyChildCareExpenses) || monthlyChildCareExpenses < 0 ||
isNaN(monthlyRentMortgage) || monthlyRentMortgage < 0 ||
isNaN(monthlyPropertyTaxInsurance) || monthlyPropertyTaxInsurance 8) {
effectiveHouseholdSize = 8; // Use values for 8+ for simplicity, actual values increase per person
}
// Lookup limits and deductions
var currentFpl130Limit = fpl130[effectiveHouseholdSize];
var currentFpl100Limit = fpl100[effectiveHouseholdSize];
var currentMaxBenefit = maxBenefits[effectiveHouseholdSize];
var currentStandardDeduction = standardDeductions[effectiveHouseholdSize];
// 1. Total Gross Income
var totalGrossIncome = grossEarnedIncome + grossUnearnedIncome;
// 2. Gross Income Test (waived for elderly/disabled in some cases, but generally applied)
if (!isElderlyDisabled && totalGrossIncome > currentFpl130Limit) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your household's total gross income ($" + totalGrossIncome.toFixed(2) + ") exceeds the limit for your household size ($" + currentFpl130Limit.toFixed(2) + "). You are likely not eligible for SNAP benefits.";
return;
}
// 3. Earned Income Deduction (20% of earned income)
var earnedIncomeDeduction = grossEarnedIncome * 0.20;
// 4. Adjusted Gross Income
var adjustedGrossIncome = totalGrossIncome – earnedIncomeDeduction;
// 5. Medical Deduction (for elderly/disabled only, if over $35)
var medicalDeduction = 0;
if (isElderlyDisabled && monthlyMedicalExpenses > medicalDeductionThreshold) {
medicalDeduction = monthlyMedicalExpenses – medicalDeductionThreshold;
}
// 6. Dependent Care Deduction
var dependentCareDeduction = monthlyChildCareExpenses;
// 7. Subtotal for Shelter Calculation (Adjusted Gross Income – Standard – Medical – Dependent Care)
var subtotalForShelter = adjustedGrossIncome – currentStandardDeduction – medicalDeduction – dependentCareDeduction;
if (subtotalForShelter < 0) subtotalForShelter = 0; // Cannot go below zero
// 8. Shelter Costs & Utility Allowance (SUA)
var totalShelterCosts = monthlyRentMortgage + monthlyPropertyTaxInsurance;
var sua = 0;
if (hasHeatingCoolingCosts) {
sua = heatingCoolingSUA;
}
var totalShelterExpenses = totalShelterCosts + sua;
// 9. Shelter Deduction
var excessShelterCost = totalShelterExpenses – (subtotalForShelter * 0.50);
if (excessShelterCost shelterCap) {
shelterDeduction = shelterCap; // Apply cap for non-elderly/disabled
}
// 10. Net Income
var netIncome = subtotalForShelter – shelterDeduction;
if (netIncome currentFpl100Limit) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your household's net income ($" + netIncome.toFixed(2) + ") exceeds the limit for your household size ($" + currentFpl100Limit.toFixed(2) + "). You are likely not eligible for SNAP benefits.";
return;
}
// 12. Benefit Calculation
var calculatedBenefit = currentMaxBenefit – (netIncome * 0.30);
if (calculatedBenefit 0) {
calculatedBenefit = minimumBenefit; // Minimum benefit
} else if (calculatedBenefit <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Based on your income and deductions, your household is not eligible for SNAP benefits at this time.";
return;
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = "
Estimated Monthly SNAP Benefits: $" + calculatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + "" +
"This is an estimate based on common Oregon SNAP rules and federal guidelines. Actual eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) upon application.";
}
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Understanding SNAP in Oregon
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. In Oregon, SNAP is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Eligibility Requirements in Oregon
To be eligible for SNAP in Oregon, households must meet certain criteria, including:
- Residency: You must be an Oregon resident.
- Citizenship/Immigration Status: Most recipients must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.
- Work Requirements: Most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet work requirements, though there are exemptions.
- Income Limits: Your household's gross and net monthly income must be below specific limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Generally, gross income must be at or below 130% of the FPL, and net income (after deductions) must be at or below 100% of the FPL. Households with an elderly (age 60+) or disabled member may have different income rules.
- Asset Limits: Oregon generally does not have an asset limit for most households due to "broad-based categorical eligibility," meaning if you receive certain other benefits (like TANF or SSI), you are automatically considered to meet asset limits for SNAP.
How SNAP Benefits Are Calculated
SNAP benefits are calculated based on a household's size, income, and allowable deductions. The general steps are:
- Gross Income Test: Your total gross monthly income (before deductions) is compared to 130% of the FPL for your household size. If it's too high, you may not qualify (unless your household includes an elderly or disabled member).
- Deductions Applied: Various deductions are subtracted from your gross income to arrive at your net income. These include:
- Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your earned income.
- Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on your household size.
- Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, medical expenses over $35 per month are deductible.
- Dependent Care Deduction: Actual costs for child care or care for an incapacitated adult.
- Shelter Deduction: This includes rent/mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. A Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) is also added if you pay for heating or cooling separately. The total shelter costs exceeding 50% of your income (after other deductions) are deductible, up to a cap for non-elderly/disabled households.
- Net Income Test: Your net monthly income (after all deductions) is compared to 100% of the FPL for your household size. If it's too high, you won't qualify.
- Benefit Calculation: If you pass both income tests, your net income is multiplied by 0.30 (30%). This amount is then subtracted from the maximum SNAP benefit for your household size. The result is your estimated monthly benefit. There is also a minimum benefit amount ($23).
Example Scenarios:
Here are a few examples to illustrate how the calculator works:
- Single Person, Low Income: A single individual with $1,000/month in earned income, paying $800/month in rent and heating costs.
(Using the calculator, this person would likely be eligible for a significant benefit, as high rent and utility costs provide a substantial shelter deduction.)
- Family of Four, Moderate Income: A family of four with $2,500/month in earned income, $300/month in child care, and $1,500/month in rent with heating costs.
(This family might be eligible for some benefits, as the child care and shelter deductions help lower their net income.)
- Elderly Couple, Fixed Income, High Medical: An elderly couple (both 60+) with $1,500/month in Social Security (unearned income), $300/month in medical expenses, and $1,000/month in rent with heating costs.
(This couple would likely be eligible, as their medical expenses provide a deduction, and the shelter cap does not apply to elderly/disabled households, allowing for a larger shelter deduction.)
How to Apply for SNAP in Oregon
You can apply for SNAP benefits in Oregon through several methods:
After applying, you will typically have an interview with an ODHS caseworker, and you may need to provide documentation to verify your income, expenses, and household information.
Important Notes:
- SNAP benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and farmers' markets.
- You can use SNAP benefits to buy most food items, but not alcohol, tobacco, hot foods prepared for immediate consumption, or non-food items.
- It's crucial to report any changes in your household's income, expenses, or living situation to ODHS promptly.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on publicly available information and common SNAP rules. It is not a guarantee of eligibility or benefit amount. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) makes the final determination based on a full application and verification process. Rules and benefit amounts can change, so always refer to official ODHS resources for the most current information.