Oregon Resources
Finding & Accessing Programs
OregONEligibility is an online screening and application portal for state benefits. It offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to start an application online for a variety of services such as Food, Cash, Child Care, Long-Term Care, and Medicare Savings programs.
211 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, childcare, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention, and much more. Dial 211 from anywhere in Oregon and you will reach an information and referral specialist who will assess your needs and provide a list of referrals to available resources in your community.
Healthcare & Medication
Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) provides free or low-cost health care coverage for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. Oregon Health Plan covers physical and behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment services.
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) offers free, unbiased, and confidential counseling to help people understand their Medicare coverage and options, including Medicare Savings Programs.
Charity Care provides financial assistance for hospital services. If you cannot afford to pay your hospital bill, you may be eligible to have part or all of the bills forgiven through Charity Care. Contact the billing department of your hospital and ask to apply for financial assistance.
EyeCare America provides eye care through volunteer ophthalmologists. Elderly patients and those at increased risk for glaucoma may be eligible for free eye care exams.
Food & Nutrition
SNAP provides monthly benefits to buy food. Your SNAP benefits are based on your family size, allowable deductions, and income.
WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under five. Parents, grandparents and other caregivers of children under the age of five may also sign kids up for WIC. Eligibility depends on household size and income.
Housing & Utilities
LIHEAP provides energy assistance to households in Oregon through a network of community action agencies and local partners. If you qualify, your local LIHEAP agency will send a payment directly to your energy utility on behalf of your household. LIHEAP may also help repair or replace heating or cooling systems that are unsafe or don’t work. Households eligible for LIHEAP may also qualify to have their homes made more energy efficient through the Weatherization program.
Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) helps low-income households who are in danger of having their electricity service disconnected due to limited income.
OR Section 8 Housing Program or Housing Choice Voucher program is a federal program that helps low-income families and individuals afford safe and decent housing. In Oregon, Housing Choice Vouchers are administered by local housing authorities, which provide eligible participants with help to cover part of their monthly rent payments.
Lifeline can help you get monthly discounts on your phone and internet services. The discounts can include a lower bill or free wireless minutes. You may get help from this program if you have limited income or are currently enrolled in certain public benefits programs.
Transportation
Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) offers free rides to medical appointments for people who have insurance through the Oregon Health Plan. Rides are available for covered services under the Oregon Health Plan.
Ride to Care offers free rides to medical appointments for people who have insurance through the Oregon Health Plan. Rides are available for covered services under the Oregon Health Plan.
Income
Unemployment Benefits provide you with temporary income when you lose your job through no fault of your own. The money partly replaces your lost earnings and helps you pay expenses while looking for new work. Unemployment Benefits are not based on financial need. You can apply online or by phone.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary, monthly cash to eligible families. Families must include a pregnant individual or minor child, a grandparent or relative of a child may be eligible in certain circumstances. Oregon also offers a clothing allowance as part of your TANF benefits. Most people will need to participate in the JOBS program to help them find a job and access other services.
Domestic Violence Help (TA-DVS Program) helps families experiencing domestic violence with moving costs and items to stay safe. The program provides temporary cash assistance to families in need.
Refugee Cash and Medical Benefits provides cash, medical, employment, and other services to refugees with an eligible immigration status. Local resettlement agencies help refugees get connected to services.
Disability Services
The Social Security Administration has two cash benefits programs for people with disabilities: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You can check your eligibility for benefits online or over the phone at 1-800-772-1213.
Oregon Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services provides in-home, residential, and community supports to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Supports can include personal care, help with daily living activities, nursing care, and more.
Vocational Rehabilitation provides individuals with disabilities the tools, services, and supports required to achieve successful employment. Services include vocational rehabilitation counseling, employment services and supports, and provide technical assistance and training to businesses regarding the recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) provides information and resources that support immediate and long-term care needs.
Disability Rights Oregon is an organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. They provide technical assistance and general information about legal rights and offer community education and training, as well as information sheets on a wide range of subjects to empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves.
Veterans Programs
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans and their family members to the benefits and services they earned through their military service.
Crisis Assistance
Oregon Health Authority has resources available for suicide prevention and a resource guide for local crisis lines.
988 is a national suicide and crisis lifeline. Dial or text 988 for help in any type of behavioral health crisis.
Legal Assistance
Oregon Law Center (OLC) provides free legal help to low-income residents. OLC can help with issues related to participants’ homes, livelihoods, medical care and physical safety against domestic violence.
Oregon State Bar is an online resource for people who are in search of a lawyer. They also have a reduced-fee referral program that connects moderate income clients who may not qualify for free legal help but cannot afford to pay full price for legal services.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) provides free legal services programs with a mission to achieve justice for the low-income communities of Oregon. LASO provides civil legal help to low-income Oregonians through regional offices and specialized statewide hotlines and programs.
Tax Assistance
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals from trained volunteers.