independence northwest

11/08/2025

The Oregon Department of Human Services answers some questions related to today's release of food benefits in Oregon. Details below. 👇

❓Q: The Trump Administration appealed the court ruling. If they win the appeal, will my benefits be removed from my EBT card?
✅ A: No! Once the November SNAP benefits are on your EBT card, they’re yours! You can use your SNAP benefits like you normally do.
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❓Q: What if I didn’t get any benefits today or got less than what I was expecting?
✅ A: This could be happening because of reduced SNAP benefits due to the federal H.R. 1 bill that passed in July. We sent out some communications about the new federal rules, which took effect for November benefits. You can read about the federal changes to SNAP here: https://apps.oregon.gov/.../odhs-begins-sending-notices...

If you read these rules and still believe you should have received a different payment amount, please call or visit your local ODHS office. You can find contact information here: https://bit.ly/ODHSoffices. You can also call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075.
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❓Q: Do you have any news about December SNAP benefits?
✅ A: Unfortunately, no. We don’t know what will happen with December SNAP benefits yet. The federal government is still shut down, and we don’t know when the shutdown will end. If you are able, we encourage you to budget with this in mind.

We also encourage anyone reading this to continue donating and volunteering with local food banks. We’ve seen so much heartening community support – and we want to make sure communities stay strong if the shutdown continues into December.

We’re seeing some similar comments pop up now that we were able to issue November SNAP benefits in Oregon. Here are some answers to three common questions:

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Q: The Trump Administration appealed the court ruling. If they win the appeal, will my benefits be removed from my EBT card?

A: No! Once the November SNAP benefits are on your EBT card, they’re yours! You can use your SNAP benefits like you normally do.

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Q: What if I didn’t get any benefits today or got less than what I was expecting?

A: This could be happening because of reduced SNAP benefits due to the federal H.R. 1 bill that passed in July. We sent out some communications about the new federal rules, which took effect for November benefits. You can read about the federal changes to SNAP here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odhs-begins-sending-notices-oct15-about-federal-snap-changes-under-hr1

If you read these rules and still believe you should have received a different payment amount, please call or visit your local ODHS office. You can find contact information here: https://bit.ly/ODHSoffices. You can also call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075.

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Q: Do you have any news about December SNAP benefits?

A: Unfortunately, no. We don’t know what will happen with December SNAP benefits yet. The federal government is still shut down, and we don’t know when the shutdown will end. If you are able, we encourage you to budget with this in mind.

We also encourage anyone reading this to continue donating and volunteering with local food banks. We’ve seen so much heartening community support – and we want to make sure communities stay strong if the shutdown continues into December.

11/07/2025

With so much going on in our community, it's good to pause and recognize our incredible caregivers. Thank you for all you do.

In recognition of National Caregiving Month, advocates in Oregon are highlighting the immense value of family caregivers as well as the significant challenges they face. New data revealed nearly a quarter of adults in the state, approximately 790,000 people, serve as family caregivers for older rela...

11/07/2025

Good news on this Friday morning. The Oregon Department of Human Services has announced that November SNAP benefits have gone out today!

November SNAP benefits are here in Oregon! The federal government remains shut down, but ODHS was able to issue full November SNAP benefits with federal approval. We know how important these benefits are, so we worked quickly to begin issuing benefits last night. Everyone should have full November SNAP benefits on their EBT cards this morning, Nov. 7, 2025 - even if you normally receive SNAP later in the month.

Before shopping, check your EBT card balance to make sure their benefits have been issued. There are several ways to check your balance:

- Call ebtEDGE customer service toll-free at 888-997-4447
- Visit https://ebtEDGE.com
- Use the ebtEDGE mobile app

ODHS does not recommend any other EBT management websites or apps.

While the release of SNAP benefits is not a scam – we want everyone to remain aware of potential scammers who could be trying to take advantage of the confusion in this situation. Do not click any suspicious links in emails, texts or social media posts, and only trust ODHS for information about Oregon benefits. You can find tips to protect yourself from electronic theft here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

11/06/2025

We know many in our community are feeling the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown, especially those who rely on SNAP food benefits. We want you to know: you’re not alone, and help is available. Below is the latest information about SNAP benefits and a link to our new Tri-County Food Resources page to help you find support near you.

📌 Update for SNAP Recipients

The shutdown is causing delays in the distribution of November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits onto Oregon Trail EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards. While benefits are not being canceled, payments are not arriving on time. At this point, we aren't sure how long it will be until they resume. While the federal government has made statements to suggest at least partial benefits will be shared, it's unclear when.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) recommends checking your EBT balance regularly, signing up for a ONE Online account, and downloading the ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov

📌 What to Expect When the Shutdown Ends

When the shutdown ends, Oregon will begin releasing SNAP benefits in stages. This means funds may appear on EBT cards at different times as systems catch up.

🔵 EBT cards are still working, so if you have balances on your card, they will continue to be accessible to you.

🔵 If you are in the process of redetermination for food benefits, be sure to continue to engage with the Medicaid office.

🔵 If your benefits are delayed, rest assured that they will be distributed once federal operations resume. We just aren't sure how long that might be.

📌 Find Resources Now

Visit www.independencenw.org/food for the latest updates, local food options, and helpful tools to get through this challenging time and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Personal Agent here at INW.

11/06/2025

SNAP Benefits Delayed & Reduced for November
As of this evening it is unclear when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be paid or how much each recipient will get. The latest news is that an emergency fund will be used to supply partial benefits to recipients. However there are no other concrete details available.

11/05/2025

Proud to be part of this community!

Here's a list of businesses offering free meals in the wake of 757,000 Oregonians losing SNAP benefits.

11/03/2025

10/30/2025

🍎 Looking for local food support? Our new Food Resources Page connects you to local pantries, meal sites, and emergency food programs across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

Explore the list: https://independencenw.org/food/

10/30/2025

There's a lot of information, and some mis-information about the loss of SNAP benefits starting tomorrow. Be sure and touch base with your PA and check official websites for accurate information. https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx

10/30/2025

Thank you Incight for making this opportunity possible for folks!

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Companies looking for a more inclusive workplace connected with workers with disabilities at a job fair at Portland State University’s Student Union on Tuesday morning. The event was organized by the non-profit organization Incight. The goal of the organization is to supp...

10/28/2025

Great video from Canada's People First talking about what she would change in our system if she could. What would you change?

Shelley Fletcher, Executive Director of People First of Canada talks about her lifetime of fighting for people with intellectual disabilities, their incredib...