Ever wonder if you qualify as a low-income Oklahoman and what benefits that could make you eligible for? Well you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to talk about it all in this blog post so you know exactly where you stand. Stick with us and you’re going to learn what income levels count as low earnings in OK, what government or nonprofit benefits target low income residents, and how to know if you’re eligible.
We even highlight some useful organizations that could help connect you with support. So read on to get the full scoop on low income definitions, qualifications, and assistance programs in Oklahoma!
Defining Low Income in Oklahoma
Low income levels vary based on your household size and where you’re living in Oklahoma. According to ASPE — Here’s hat’s considered low income in the Sooner State:
- For a single person household, low income is defined as earning less than $15,060 annually or $1,255 monthly.
- For a family of 4, low income kicks in at $31,200 annually or $2,600 monthly.
- Income thresholds do go up incrementally with larger families – for example up to $52,720 annually for a household of 8.
- Typically low income is defined as earning below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Other common benchmarks are below 50% or 60% of area median income.
The bottom line is that low income varies but is typically around $15,060 or less annually for 1 person in Oklahoma. Reach out to local community assistance programs to check if you qualify for benefits.
Best Programs Available to Low Income Households
If your income falls below a certain level in Oklahoma, you may qualify for assistance programs that could really help your family. Some of the best options to look into:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program that provides monthly benefits to low-income households to help cover groceries. To qualify for SNAP in Oklahoma, your household income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level.
ACCESS Oklahoma or EBT Card
Benefits are issued on a special debit card (either an EBT or ACCESS Oklahoma card) that can be used to purchase eligible food items at grocery stores and certain retailers. The average SNAP benefit in Oklahoma is around $250 a month.
Applying
You can apply for SNAP benefits online through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) website or visit your local OKDHS office. You will need to provide documents like pay stubs, bills, and bank statements.
Receiving Benefits
SNAP benefits are deposited monthly into your account each month. They must be used within 12 months, so be sure to grocery shop regularly.
Using Your SNAP Benefits
If approved, your SNAP benefits can be used to buy bread, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and more. This extra grocery money frees up cash that you can use towards bills and other necessities.
SNAP can make a big difference for an Oklahoma family struggling to get by. Take the time to apply if you think your household meets the eligibility requirements. Having extra food assistance allows you to focus limited funds on housing, utilities, transportation, medications and other vital costs.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Next — The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program can provide rental assistance if your income is considered low in Oklahoma. Here’s what you need to know:
- Your household income must not exceed 50% of the median income for your county or metro area to qualify.
- Section 8 provides a voucher to cover part of your rent each month. You pay 30-40% of your income towards rent, and the voucher covers the rest, up to a certain payment standard.
- You find your own rental unit – house, townhouse, apartment etc. – as long as the landlord agrees to accept Section 8 vouchers. The unit must meet minimum health and safety standards.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority to get on the waiting list. The wait can take 1-2 years in Oklahoma, as funding is limited. You can also apply to multiple housing authority lists.
- Once you receive a voucher, you have 60-120 days to find a rental unit. The voucher stays with you when you move to a new approved unit.
- Eligibility is based on income limits as well as citizenship status, criminal history, eviction history, and some other criteria.
Additional benefits you may qualify for if low income in Oklahoma include food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid health insurance, TANF cash assistance, WIC for pregnant and nursing mothers, and more. Reach out to social services in your area to learn about programs that can help. With assistance, you can cover basic needs for your family as you get back on your feet.
Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
If your income qualifies, you may be able to receive cash assistance with Oklahoma’s TANF program. This provides temporary financial help for needy families with children under 18. To qualify, your household must meet income and asset limits. Benefits are deposited monthly on a debit card that could be used like cash on everyday expenses.
You’re also going to get referrals to services like childcare assistance, employment training, and other resources to help your family become self-reliant. TANF has a 60-month lifetime limit, though exceptions could be made. To apply, visit your OKDHS office or apply online. Grab documents such as pay stubs, Social Security, proof of citizenship or residence, and more. OKDHS then reviews your application and your eligibility is determined based on your unique situation.
Medicaid
Lastly — Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to qualifying Oklahomans. To qualify for Medicaid in Oklahoma:
- Your household income must be below specific limits.
- You meet other eligibility criteria such as being pregnant or being 65 or older.
If eligible, Medicaid covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, certain mental health services, and more. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
- SoonerCare Traditional – For low-income children and parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. This is the basic Medicaid plan in Oklahoma.
- SoonerCare Choice – For people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. It wraps around Medicare to provide extra coverage.
Don’t assume you won’t qualify or that the process is too complicated. Applying for Medicaid in Oklahoma is easier than you may think. You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person. To get started, contact your local DHS office or visit the Apply for SoonerCare page on the Oklahoma Health Care website.
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