H.R.1 continues to introduce major changes affecting Oregon welfare programs. We know how scary this can be and we’re here for you.
Stay informed. Check your benefits on a weekly basis. Share verified information from reliable sources.
In the words of Grace Lee Boggs, “the only way to survive is by taking care of each other.”
Our history as APANO shows that we don’t have to take no for an answer. When our neighbors don’t know where their next meal is coming from, many of you showed up and donated hundreds of goods for APANO’s weekly Free Food Market. When our communities couldn’t find affordable child care, APANO created cohorts in English, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Somali giving a chance for people to obtain the skills and license to create more child care seats in Oregon.
Each of us can find meaningful ways to advocate, organize, and show up for one another.
As you share the impacts of HR 1, we hope that you also join our advocacy work.
Join our monthly Happy Hours on every fourth Thursday and learn about upcoming ways to get involved with APANO Action Fund. (Our next one is July 30, 2026!) As election season approaches, stay up to date on how you can get out the vote, and help your neighbors fill out their ballots.
What happens in local Oregon politics is just as critical as what happens in the federal level of government. Time and time again, we've seen our communities and neighbors be the ones to support one another through hard times.
Now is our calling to show up again.
Thanks for being a part of our work as we build a more just and equitable Oregon for Asian and Asian American communities. We’re in this together.
What is going on?
House Resolution 1 (H.R.1 also known as the Big Beautiful Bill Act) continues to bring significant changes to welfare and assistance programs in Oregon, impacting eligibility, administrative costs, and work requirements across SNAP, Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and other departments.
If you are registered for any of these programs, we highly recommend checking your status on a continuous basis.
Expected Reductions in LIHEAP Benefits
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will now only apply to households with an elderly or disabled member.
Previously, all SNAP recipients who received LIHEAP could also claim a standard utility allowance when calculating their SNAP benefits, increasing available assistance.
Households are no longer allowed to include internet costs in excess shelter deductions.
Previously, the SNAP shelter deduction allowed a household to deduct housing expenses, like monthly rent, repair costs, and standard utility allowances, that exceed half of its net income when calculating SNAP benefits.
Eligibilty Requirements for Medicaid changing January 1, 2027
Who is affected?
Individuals will be required to complete at least 80 hours per month of:
- Work
- School or job training
- Volunteering
- A combination of these activities
These requirements also extend to individuals earning more than $580/month (based on the current federal minimum wage), including some seasonal workers based on their average income over the previous 6 months.
Student Loan Repayment Changes (Starting July 1, 2026)
Several federal student loan repayment plans will be phased out, including:
- SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education)
- PAYE (Pay As You Earn)
- ICR (Income Contingent Repayment)
Existing and new borrowers in these plans need to switch to either:
- RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan), a new income based repayment option
- A Tiered Standard Repayment Plan
Existing SAVE, PAYE, and ICR plans are scheduled to sunset by July 1, 2028.
Check Your SNAP Status Regularly
Most new SNAP eligibility requirements took effect on July 4, 2025, but implementation occurs on a rolling basis. If you currently receive SNAP benefits, check your eligibility status regularly and complete any required updates. If you've lost benefits or think you may qualify, consider applying or reapplying.
Need help? The Oregon Food Bank can provide information and assistance with SNAP applications.
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