How to Apply for Benefits on ONE.Oregon.Gov as a Kinship Caregiver

One Application Covers Four Programs

Oregon's ONE Eligibility portal at one.oregon.gov is the single entry point for TANF cash assistance, SNAP food benefits, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage, and ERDC childcare subsidies. For kinship caregivers, that means one online session can set four programs in motion simultaneously.

The portal is jointly operated by ODHS and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Whether you apply online, by paper, by phone, or in person, the application routes to the same eligibility system.

Before You Start: Documents to Have Ready

Gathering your documents first saves you from stalled applications and follow-up requests:

• Your identity: Driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Child's identity and age: Birth certificate, adoption record, or hospital birth record
• Child's Social Security number (or proof you've applied for one)
• Caregiving documentation: Relative Caregiver Affidavit (ORS 109.575), Power of Attorney (ORS 109.056), court order, or a written statement that the child lives with you and you provide their care
• Income verification: Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, or other proof of household income
• Shelter costs: Rent receipt, mortgage statement, property tax bill, utility bills

If you're missing a document — especially the child's birth certificate — don't wait. Missing verification must not result in an automatic denial. If you can't obtain a formal record, caseworkers must help you get it or accept alternative proof to preserve your filing date.

Applying Online

Create an account at one.oregon.gov. The application walks through several sections: household members, income, expenses, and which programs you're requesting.

Key decision point for kinship caregivers: When the application asks about cash assistance, specify that you're requesting benefits for the child only. Elect non-needy caretaker relative status — this tells ODHS to exclude your income from the TANF eligibility calculation. For OHP, if you don't claim the child as a tax dependent, note that; the child will be evaluated as a non-filer with only their own income counted.

Check every program box — TANF, SNAP, OHP, and ERDC — even if you're not sure you qualify. Let ODHS make the determination rather than screening yourself out.

Other Ways to Apply

• Paper: Download Form OHA/DHS 7210 ("Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs") and Appendix A for non-medical programs. Mail or bring to your local ODHS office.
• Phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 (ONE Customer Service Center). You can complete the entire application over the phone.
• In person: Visit a local ODHS Self-Sufficiency office. Staff can help you fill out the application on the spot. Find your nearest office through the ODHS office locator on oregon.gov.
• Community partners: Certified OHA Community Partner Assister organizations can help you apply at no cost.

What Happens After You Submit

ODHS stamps your filing date the day they receive a signed application with your name, address, and signature. Cash benefits are prorated from this date — so filing early matters even if your paperwork isn't complete.

Processing timelines:

• SNAP: Within 30 days (expedited processing within 7 days if you have very low income and assets)
• TANF: Within 45 days
• OHP: Within 45 days for most applications
• ERDC: Processing time varies; a waitlist may apply

You'll receive notices through the ONE portal and by mail. Check both regularly — missed notices can delay or interrupt benefits.

If Your Application Is Denied

You have the right to appeal through an administrative hearing. File Form MSC 0443 by the deadline on your notice; a verbal request is also available for SNAP and medical-eligibility cases (90 days for SNAP, 45 days for TANF and OHP, or 90 days for certain TANF case-plan non-cooperation reductions). If you are appealing a reduction or termination of current benefits, ask for them to continue while the appeal is decided by the later of 10 calendar days from the notice's sending date or the effective date of the proposed change.

Free legal help is available through the Public Benefits Hotline at 1-800-520-5292 (Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Law Center).

The Oregon Kinship Financial Help guide includes the complete document checklist, a walkthrough of the ONE portal for kinship-specific scenarios, and the appeal deadlines for every program.

See more Oregon guides →