Imagine suddenly losing $250 of your monthly budget. What would you have to give up — meals, medication, peace of mind?
For more than 1,500 families in Oregon, this wasn’t a thought exercise. It happened to them in 2024 when they reported their food or cash benefits were stolen, likely through organized fraud.
This theft of food and cash benefits — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — are a growing and serious problem nationwide and here in Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working hard to fight this theft. The agency urges everyone who uses SNAP or TANF to protect their EBT card and benefits. Easy ways to protect your EBT card include:
- Freeze the card between uses
- Block out-of-state and online purchases
- Check EBT account regularly
More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- In your language: Help in Your Language.
- By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075. Some self-service features are available 24/7, such as checking your benefit status or ordering a new EBT card. All relay calls are accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov.
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores.
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309.
- By fax at: 503-378-5628.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources.
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
