SNAP Employment & Training Programs:

ABAWD & STEP
WorkSource Oregon provides services as part of Oregon’s two Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) employment programs – the Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) program and the SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP).

Attention: If you received an ABAWD notice from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), you need to take action to keep your SNAP benefits. 

Contact ODHS as soon as possible for your next steps:

By phone at 833-947-1694

  • Available 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday
  • Language interpreters available

By email at SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov. Please include:

  • Your full name
  • Your SNAP case number and
  • Your contact information and a good time to reach you.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) program​:

Visit the SNAP Time Limits page for more information.

Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) Program

The federal government limits SNAP benefits for certain SNAP recipients to three months in a three-year period unless they complete 80 hours of work-related activities each month.  The ABAWD program is only for people receiving SNAP benefits who must meet these work requirements.

This requirement applies to people who: 

  • Are at least 18 but not yet 52,
  • Have no children under 18 on their SNAP case, and
  • Do not meet an exemption or live in a waived county.

ABAWD program participants work with WorkSource Oregon to create an employment plan to reach their goals and keep their SNAP benefits. The program includes one-on-one support. In some cases, the ABAWD program can even cover the cost of training, textbooks, gas, bus tickets, and work clothes. 

The Oregon Department of Human Services connects SNAP recipients with an ABAWD status to WorkSource Oregon to begin their work plan. If you believe you should be participating in the ABAWD program, visit the SNAP Time Limits page for more information.

SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP) 

The Oregon Employment Department (OED), WorkSource, is a partner of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) SNAP Employment and Training Provider Network. The network includes community organizations across the state who are committed to helping people in Oregon get the skills, training and work experience they need to pursue employment and economic mobility. 
 

Everyone starts somewhere. Where are you starting?  Whether you are looking to gain new skills or go to work right away, the information below will help you take your next step. 

The STEP program supports employment, training and education opportunities for people in Oregon who:

  • Are receiving SNAP benefits,
  • Are not receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits, and
  • Are 18 and older.

If you are receiving TANF and would like to participate in an employment and training program, please reach out to your ODHS Family Coach. 

WorkSource Oregon will connect you to a STEP Coach. Your coach will support you with a customized plan to help you reach your employment goals. 

To get started in the program, and to connect with a STEP Coach, contact WorkSource Oregon.
 

 STEP Success Stories

Resources (external links)

 

Funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture.
USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender.​​