Oregon DHS Exempts Rural SNAP Recipients From Work Requirements

Crook and Jefferson counties among 7 rural areas where residents won't have to meet SNAP work rules in 2026.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The Oregon Department of Human Services announced that starting February 1, 2026, some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients living in seven rural counties - including Crook and Jefferson - will be exempt from the program's work requirements for the rest of the year. This change affects over 1,300 people and is aimed at addressing access barriers to employment services in these areas.

Why it matters

The SNAP program provides critical food assistance to low-income individuals and families, but recent federal rule changes have imposed stricter work requirements that can lead to benefits being cut off. This exemption for rural Oregonians helps ensure continued access to SNAP in areas where employment services are scarce, supporting food security for vulnerable populations.

The details

Under SNAP rules, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must work or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to maintain their benefits. The seven counties impacted by this change - Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman, and Wheeler - do not have local WorkSource employment service centers, making it difficult for residents to meet the requirements. Oregon DHS is using a limited number of discretionary exemptions allocated by the federal government to waive the work rules in these areas from February through December 2026.

  • The exemption takes effect on February 1, 2026.
  • The exemption will remain in place through December 2026.

The players

Oregon Department of Human Services

The state agency that administers the SNAP program in Oregon and is implementing this exemption for rural residents.

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service

The federal agency that oversees the SNAP program and allocates discretionary exemptions to states.

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What’s next

People in the seven counties are encouraged to continue participating in job training and employment services, as continued participation will not affect their exemption status.

The takeaway

This exemption highlights the challenges rural communities face in accessing essential services and the importance of tailoring social safety net programs to meet the unique needs of different regions. It demonstrates Oregon's efforts to ensure continued SNAP access for vulnerable populations, even as federal rules have become more restrictive.