Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Oregon

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: Oregon Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Employment Department

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and April (HUD limits). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.

Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or text your ZIP to 898211 • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at ONE.Oregon.gov – emergency benefits in 7 days • Power being shut off: Call your local Community Action Agency immediately (numbers below) • Eviction notice: Call Oregon Law Help at 1-800-452-7636 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at unemployment.oregon.gov or call 1-877-FILE-4-UI • Need health coverage: Apply at ONE.Oregon.gov or call 1-800-699-9075 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at 1-971-673-0040 for food help • Domestic violence: Call Oregon Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-834-4357 (24/7)

If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at ONE.Oregon.gov. If your income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

A family of three with no income can receive up to $506 per month in TANF money. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call Oregon WIC at 1-971-673-0040. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your power company and ask for a “hardship extension” – many give you 10-30 days • Call 211 immediately and ask for your local Community Action Agency for LIHEAP crisis assistance • Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment

Keep Your Housing

• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call Oregon Law Help at 1-800-452-7636 for emergency legal help • Ask about “rapid rehousing” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits

Get Cash Quickly

A family of three with no income can receive up to $506 per month in TANF money. Apply for TANF (cash assistance) at ONE.Oregon.gov. While Oregon’s benefit is modest, it’s reliable monthly income.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at unemployment.oregon.gov. Starting June 29 for new Unemployment Insurance claims… weekly benefits will increase from a minimum of $196 to $204 and from a maximum of $836 to $872.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. TANF takes 2-6 weeks. Plan for this delay and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, TANF, and OHP use overlapping income rules • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Oregon has generous eligibility – many working families qualify for SNAP and OHP • Oregon expanded Medicaid – most adults qualify for OHP with no monthly premium • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are years long in most areas

Oregon advantage: The state has higher income limits than many states. Many working single mothers qualify for multiple programs here.

Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. Oregon generally passes through part of current support, commonly up to $100 per month for one child and up to $200 for two or more children, even while you receive TANF.

How much you can get: Based on FY 2025 federal maximums, families can receive up to $291/month for one person, $535 for two people, $766 for three people, or $975 for four people as of October 2024.

Oregon’s advantage: No asset limit in Oregon and broad-based eligibility that allows higher income limits than federal rules.

Income limits (Oregon SNAP, as of 2025):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income	Max SNAP Benefit
1 person	$2,510	$291
2 people	$3,407	$535
3 people	$4,303	$766
4 people	$5,200	$975

Source: Based on federal 200% of poverty level used in Oregon

How to apply:

Go to ONE.Oregon.gov
Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)

Timeline: Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days. Emergency SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify.

Reality check: Most working families don’t get the maximum amount. If you work, expect roughly $200-500/month for a family of three.

TANF (Family Assistance Cash Help)

What it is: Monthly cash assistance for families with children under 18. Your TANF payment will be calculated based on your monthly income, household size, and TANF program rules. For example, a family of three with no income can receive up to $506 per month in TANF money.

Oregon TANF Payment Schedule (2025):

Family Size	Maximum Monthly Cash
1 person	$334
2 people	$420
3 people	$506
4 people	$579

Source: Oregon Law Help

Income limits: Your net monthly income must be less than the maximum benefit amount. For a family of three, you must earn less than $506/month total to qualify.

How to apply:

Apply at ONE.Oregon.gov (same application as SNAP)
Attend required interview
Agree to participate in required work activities

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 2-4 weeks, first payment the following month if approved.

Reality check: TANF payments haven’t been increased in the last 20 years and haven’t kept up with inflation. As a result, it’s unlikely your TANF money will be enough to cover all your needs.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Includes formula, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cereal.

How much you can get: Each WIC enrolled participant can receive $28 to spend during the 2025 farm season. Plus monthly food packages including fresh produce, dairy, eggs, and whole grains.

Income limits: Up to 185% of federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s about $4,255/month as of 2025.

WIC Income Limits (2025):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income
1 person	$2,298
2 people	$3,102
3 people	$3,905
4 people	$4,709

How to apply: Call Oregon WIC at 1-971-673-0040 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, OHP, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.

Health Coverage Options

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) – Oregon’s Medicaid

What it covers: Medical, dental, vision, mental health, prescriptions, and preventive care.

Cost: $0 monthly premium for most people. No or very low copays.

Who qualifies: Within the OHP, there are two plans that Oregonians can qualify for: OHP Plus and OHP Bridge. Oregon has expanded Medicaid, so many working adults qualify.

Income limits (estimated 2025):

Adults: Up to about 138% of poverty level for OHP Plus, higher for OHP Bridge
Pregnant women: Up to about 200% of poverty level
Children: Up to about 300% of poverty level

How to apply: Apply at ONE.Oregon.gov or call OHP Customer Service at 1-800-699-9075.

Timeline: Usually 2-4 weeks; faster if urgent medical needs.

Oregon advantage: One of the most generous Medicaid programs in the nation. Most working single mothers and children qualify.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: Must be “very low income” – typically 50% of area median income. In Multnomah County (Portland), that’s about $34,000/year for a family of three as of 2025.

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $2,000/month, you’d pay about $600 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: Waiting lists are extremely long – 2+ years in Portland, 1+ years in smaller cities. Many lists are closed.

Major Oregon Housing Authorities: • Home Forward (Portland): 503-802-8333, homeforward.org • Housing Authority of Washington County: 503-846-4794 • Homes for Good (Eugene/Springfield): 541-682-3755, homesforgood.org • Salem Housing Authority: 503-588-6368

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
• Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits

Starting June 29 for new Unemployment Insurance claims… weekly benefits will increase from a minimum of $196 to $204 and from a maximum of $836 to $872.

How much you can get: Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is 1.25% of your total base year gross earnings. For example, if you earned $40,000 in your base year, your weekly benefit would be about $500.

How long: Up to 26 weeks of benefits within a 52-week period.

How to apply:

File online at unemployment.oregon.gov
Call 1-877-FILE-4-UI if you can’t apply online
You must file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits

Timeline: Before you can start receiving benefits, Oregon law requires one waiting week per claim. First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing.

Work search requirement: Actively looking for work means completing at least five work-search activities per week. You must make direct contact with employers for at least two of the five work-seeking activities.

Job Training and Support

WorkSource Oregon Career Centers: • Free job search assistance • Skills training programs
• Help with resumes and interviews • Find locations at worksourceoregon.org

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $2,500/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $300-400/month (reduced due to income) • WIC: $56/month in produce benefits (if kids under 5) • OHP for entire family: Yes • TANF: No (income too high) • Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits

Reality: She’d get significant help with food and healthcare but housing assistance would be limited.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living with Family

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $291/month for herself • WIC: Immediate benefits for produce and prenatal foods • OHP pregnancy coverage: Yes, with comprehensive prenatal care • TANF: Depends on family income and living situation

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, OHP in 1-2 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $3,500/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: About $400-500/week for 26 weeks • SNAP: About $400-500/month initially • OHP for both: Yes • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – benefits are based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor • Contact Basic Rights Oregon at basicrights.org for legal support if needed

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for OHP • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible • Ask about “child-only” TANF if your child gets SSI • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for veterans) through VA and local housing authorities • Contact Portland VA at 503-273-5370 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency services (like emergency OHP) may be available regardless of status • Contact local refugee resettlement agencies for guidance

Tribal Members

• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources • Contact your tribal social services office in addition to applying to state programs • Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and Community Action office schedules • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

Oregon Housing Assistance by Region

Portland Metro (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas)

• Home Forward (Section 8/Public Housing): 503-802-8333, homeforward.org • Washington County Housing: 503-846-4794 • Clackamas County Housing Authority: 503-655-8267 • Community Action: Multiple agencies – contact via 211 • Legal Services: Oregon Law Help – 1-800-452-7636

Willamette Valley (Marion, Polk, Linn, Benton)

• Salem Housing Authority: 503-588-6368 • Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action: 503-581-4284 • Linn-Benton Housing Authority: Contact via 211

Lane County (Eugene/Springfield)

• Homes for Good: 541-682-3755, homesforgood.org • St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County: 541-687-5820

Central Oregon (Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson)

• Housing Works: 541-923-1018 • NeighborImpact: 541-548-2380

Southern Oregon (Jackson, Josephine)

• Housing Authority of Jackson County: 541-776-7368 • ACCESS (Jackson County): 541-779-6691

Eastern Oregon

• Contact regional Community Action and Housing Authority via 211 • Transportation for medical: ask your OHP CCO for rides

Program Comparison Table

Program	Max Monthly Benefit	Income Limit (Family of 3)	How Long to Get Help
SNAP	$766	$4,303/month	7-30 days
TANF	$506	$506/month	2-6 weeks
WIC	Food packages + $28 farmers market	$3,905/month	Same week
Unemployment	$872/week ($3,488/month)	Based on past wages	2-3 weeks
Section 8	Varies by rent	~$34,000/year	1-5+ years waiting

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/TANF Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: ODHS often calls from different numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported within 10 days • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

Request written reason for denial
File appeal within 45 days if you disagree
Ask for “continued benefits” during appeal when allowed
Get help from Oregon Law Help: 1-800-452-7636

When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact Oregon Food Bank at oregonfoodbank.org • Ask churches about emergency food assistance • Look into local food pantries via 211

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask family/friends about temporary housing • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for budget billing plan
• Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions • Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions • Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, TANF, OHP online • Call WIC for appointment
• File unemployment if applicable • Contact 211 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/TANF interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin • TANF decision and first payment • OHP coverage starts • Begin required work activities

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes. Oregon has some of the most generous income limits in the nation. Many working single mothers qualify for SNAP, WIC, and OHP. TANF has strict limits but other programs are accessible to working families.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Oregon allows reasonable accommodations if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. TANF has strict limits. WIC and OHP have generous income limits. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently. Housing programs look at your individual income, not your family’s.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.

“How long can I get help?”

SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months)
TANF: 60-month lifetime limit
WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum
Unemployment: 26 weeks maximum
Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within 45 days. Get help from Oregon Law Help (1-800-452-7636). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status.

Language assistance: Oregon provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call the main ODHS number (503-945-5944) and ask for language assistance.

Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 211 Oregon: Dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898211, 211info.org • ONE Customer Service (SNAP/TANF/OHP): 1-800-699-9075, one.oregon.gov • OHP Customer Service: 1-800-699-9075 • Oregon WIC: 1-971-673-0040 • Unemployment: 1-877-FILE-4-UI, unemployment.oregon.gov • Oregon Law Help: 1-800-452-7636, oregonlawhelp.org

Crisis Support

• Oregon Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-834-4357 (24/7) • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • Oregon Safeline (Call to Safety): 503-235-5333

Online Applications

• SNAP/TANF/OHP: ONE.Oregon.gov • Unemployment: unemployment.oregon.gov • Housing Authorities: Contact individual authorities listed above

Document Help

• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): oregon.gov/oha • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • Oregon ID/Driver’s License: oregon.gov/odot

Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

Oregon has more generous benefits than many states, but they’re still not enough to solve all financial problems. Think of these programs as a foundation while you build stability.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are years long. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. Oregon takes these requirements seriously but also provides good support services.

About Fraud Consequences

All programs monitor for fraud aggressively. Report income changes immediately. Never lie on applications. The penalties include permanent disqualification and having to pay money back.

About Income Reporting

Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits. Programs share information with each other. What looks like unreported income to one program can get you in trouble with all of them.

Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact Oregon Law Help at 1-800-452-7636.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

Resumen en Español – Ayuda de Emergencia para Madres Solteras en Oregon

Ayuda Inmediata (Llame Hoy)

• Emergencia: Llame 911 • Necesita refugio: Llame 211 o envíe su código postal al 898211 • Sin comida: Solicite SNAP en ONE.Oregon.gov – beneficios en 7 días • Van a cortar la luz: Llame a su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria local • Perdió su trabajo: Solicite desempleo en unemployment.oregon.gov • Embarazada o niños menores de 5 años: Llame WIC al 1-971-673-0040

Programas Principales

SNAP (Cupones de Comida): Hasta $975/mes para familia de 4. Solicite en ONE.Oregon.gov TANF (Ayuda en Efectivo): Hasta $506/mes para familia de 3. Ingresos muy bajos requeridos. WIC (Mujeres, Bebés, Niños): Comida especial para embarazadas y niños menores de 5. OHP (Plan de Salud de Oregon): Cobertura médica gratis para la mayoría de familias. Sección 8: Ayuda con la renta (listas de espera muy largas).

Números Importantes

• ONE Oregon: 1-800-699-9075 (servicios de traducción disponibles) • WIC Oregon: 1-971-673-0040 • Desempleo: 1-877-FILE-4-UI • Servicios Legales: 1-800-452-7636

Nota: Todos estos programas requieren documentos. Los niños ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden calificar aunque los padres sean indocumentados.

About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Oregon Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon Employment Department.

This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve Oregon families better.

Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) – oregon.gov/dhs • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • Oregon Health Authority – oregon.gov/oha • Oregon Employment Department – oregon.gov/employ • Oregon Law Help – oregonlawhelp.org • 211info Oregon – 211info.org