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Lost your job
15 programs people in this spot often look for.
Free or low-cost classes to earn your GED
Program: Adult Education / GED Prep (Oregon community colleges)
Low-cost classes (with fee waivers if you can't pay) to earn a high-school-equivalency diploma or improve reading, writing, and math, and move into college or job training.
Who it’s for: Adults 16 and older who want a GED or high-school equivalency, or to build basic skills (fee waivers for those who can't pay)
See the rule
“Adult Education is a non-credit program that prepares students for credit classes and the GED® test.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A tax refund for working families
Program: Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A refundable federal tax credit for working people with low to moderate income — can boost your refund
Who it’s for: Working people with low-to-moderate income (the amount depends on your income and how many children you have)
See the rule
“The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe - and maybe increase your refund.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free or low-cost health coverage
Program: Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)
Health coverage (Oregon Health Plan / Medicaid)
Who it’s for: People who already have SSI or the Oregon Health Plan or homes making under about $1,840 a month (for 1 person)
See the rule
“Adults age 19 through 64 ... Children age 1 through 18 ... Income limit is 133% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A discount on phone & internet
Program: Oregon Lifeline
Phone/internet discount
Who it’s for: People who already have SNAP (food benefits), the Oregon Health Plan, or SSI or homes making under about $1,800 a month (for 1 person)
See the rule
“Total household income is at or below 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Unemployment benefits
Program: Oregon Unemployment Insurance
Weekly cash benefits if you lost a job or had hours cut through no fault of your own. Apply through Frances Online.
Who it’s for: Workers who lost a job or hours through no fault of their own and are able, available, and looking for work
See the rule
“If you have lost your job or had your hours reduced, you may qualify for benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Program.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Help getting and keeping a job (Voc Rehab)
Program: Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Career counseling, training, assistive tech, job placement, and ongoing support to help people with disabilities get or keep work.
Who it’s for: People whose disability makes it hard to get or keep a job
⚠ Eligible applicants have been placed on a waitlist since June 2025 — ask about current status.
See the rule
“VR works with most people who have a disability that makes it hard to get or keep a job.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Emergency cash for immigrant workers shut out of unemployment
Program: Oregon Worker Relief
Direct financial help for immigrant Oregonians locked out of unemployment and federal aid because of their status, including a fund for people who are houseless and one for farmworkers who lost wages in a disaster.
Who it’s for: Immigrant Oregonians who can't get unemployment or federal aid because of their immigration status
See the rule
“[Rehousing Fund] supports with financial assistance to Oregonians who are houseless...or fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A discount on your Pacific Power bill
Program: Pacific Power Low-Income Discount (Schedule 7)
Tiered electric bill discount (20/40/80%)
Who it’s for: People served by pacific-power, and homes making under about $800 a month (for 1 person)
See the rule
“annual household income (gross income) at or below 60% of Oregon state median income” Official site ↗
“Customers with household incomes up to 5% of SMI will receive an 80% discount” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A discount on your Portland water bill
Program: Portland Water Bureau bill discount
Tier 1 (≤60% SMFI) or Tier 2 (≤30% SMFI) discount + up to $500 crisis voucher
Who it’s for: People who live in Portland, and homes making under about $800 a month (for 1 person)
⚠ Crisis vouchers: funds are limited; one per 12-month period.
See the rule
“Households earning up to 60 percent of the state median family income (MFI) are eligible for assistance.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A discount on your PGE electric bill
Program: PGE Income-Qualified Bill Discount
15–80% off your monthly electric bill
Who it’s for: People served by pge, and people who already have help paying energy bills or help paying energy bills or homes making under about $800 a month (for 1 person)
See the rule
“a monthly discount between 15% and 80% off your energy use” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Monthly money for food
Program: SNAP (food benefits)
Monthly food money on an EBT card
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person)
See the rule
“The table below gives a general idea of the amount of money (income) that most people or families can earn and still be in this program.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Cash help for families with kids (TANF)
Program: Oregon TANF & JOBS Program
Monthly cash for low-income families with children, plus JOBS help with transportation, car repairs, child care, and job training.
Who it’s for: Families with kids — families responsible for a child under 19, unemployed or underemployed with low income and assets
See the rule
“The Job Opportunity and Basic Skills program (JOBS) is for families who have TANF.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free transit & transportation credit
Program: Transportation Wallet: Access for All
Bundled transit / transportation credit
Who it’s for: People who already have a reduced TriMet fare, the Oregon Health Plan, SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, help paying energy bills, WIC, a housing voucher, free school lunch, or help paying for childcare
See the rule
“The Transportation Wallet: Access for All program defines "living on a low-income" as anyone qualifying for at least one of the below services:” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Up to 72% off the bus & MAX
Program: TriMet Honored Citizen reduced fare
Up to 72% off transit — $1.40 / 2.5 hrs or $28/month
Who it’s for: People who already have the Oregon Health Plan, SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, help paying energy bills, WIC, a housing voucher, free school lunch, or help paying for childcare or homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person)
See the rule
“If you participate in Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Free & Reduced Price Lunch, HUD Housing Choice Voucher, LIHEAP, Employment Related Daycare, or WIC, you qualify.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free job training, career coaching, and layoff help
Program: WorkSource Oregon (WIOA employment & training)
Free career coaching, training programs, paid internships and apprenticeships, resume and interview help, and support money for transportation, childcare, and tuition — funded by the federal WIOA.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for work, recently laid off, or wanting free job training (veterans get priority)
See the rule
“All services are free.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
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