December 9, 2019 4:00 a.m.
At least 19,000 Oregonians could lose government food assistance under a new federal rule finalized last Thursday.
A release from the Oregon Department of Human Services said the rule will restrict states’ ability to allow certain adults to receive benefits for more than three months in a three- year period if they aren’t working or training at least 20 hours a week.
The release said the change in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was approved despite more than 140,000 negative public comments. It is expected to affect 700,000 SNAP recipients nationally once it takes effect in April.
Oregon, like most states, has used waivers to extend benefits for longer than three months to a group of SNAP recipients known as “able-bodied adults without dependents” if they live in areas with high unemployment and limited job opportunities. According to the release, this includes individuals ages 18 to 49 who don’t have disabilities, don’t have children and are considered able to work.
Oregon has approved waivers for 31 counties for ABAWD work requirements, which will be in place from January 1st through March 31st of next year. Federal changes to eligibility requirements for waivers will limit the areas in Oregon that meet the requirements starting April 1st. As a result, only six counties may be eligible to receive the waiver.
The new rule will result in an increased burden on food banks and other community resources to fill the void, according to the release.