July 31, 2020 3:20 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Human Services has received approval from federal officials to continue to provide increased food benefits in August.

A release from the Oregon Department of Human Service said staff will be able to and waive the interview requirements for new applicants, making it faster and easier for Oregonians to access benefits. The release said this will result in an additional $30 million to eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in August.

SNAP households will automatically receive the additional allotment in the same way they receive their current benefits. For most customers, this is an EBT card. The additional benefit amount will be disbursed to all eligible households.

The increase will bring all households to the maximum SNAP benefit but is not a permanent change.

Go to: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-covid-19 for more information on SNAP benefits.