Attentions, Oklahomans! If you are struggling financially, we have some good news for you in the midst of this challenging times. Whether you are a business owner wanting to cut down on operating expenses, or the head of a household worrying about pay your bills, we’ve got you covered.In the state, there are plenty of assistance programs available to help alleviate the financial stress its people are facing. These programs range from support on nutritious food, job search to child care and transportation. Read on to find the ones that fit your needs!
For Business Owners: REAP
First, let’s talk about a program designed specifically for business owners because it is currently open for applications and there’s a time limit. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loans and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Oklahoma for energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. Businesses that are eligible can apply up to 50% financial assistance on a qualifying project.
REAP, as its name suggests, is designed to increase energy independence by encouraging more supply of renewable energy from the private sector and cutting the overall demand for energy by improving energy efficiency.
Two types of businesses are eligible to apply : Agricultural producers that directly engage in agricultural production with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations, and qualifying small businesses located in eligible rural areas.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development on a national level, the program offers loan guarantees up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs, or grants for up to 50 percent. Applicant may also get a combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.For more information, either contact your State Rural Development Energy Coordinator or visit the program introduction page.
Financial Assistance for Individuals and Households
Now that we went through a major assistance program for businesses, let’s turn our attention to benefits that everyone can potentially enjoy. Below we will list the programs available to needy individuals and households in Oklahoma, with specific focus on how to apply for them.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is a federal program created to provide support for needy families and individuals to buy nutritious food. The program’s basic eligibility requirements include identity (U.S. citizen or legal alien), work requirements and income limits.
SNAP benefits are deposited directly into Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used the same way as debit cards. Oklahomans eligible for this program can use the card to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products in authorized groceries or Farmers’ Markets across the state. Beer, wine, cigarettes, or supplements are not covered.
There are two ways to apply: etiher online at www.OKDHSLIVE.ORG or submit a completed application form to your Local DHS Human Services Center.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Another well-known federal program available to Oklahomans, TANF provides time-limited financial assistance for basic needs, employment related services and child care support for families with children deprived of support because of a parent’s death, incapacity, absence or unemployment.
To be eligible, you must be residing in the state legally and are responsible for a minor child in the family You will also need to meet specific income standards, and agree to cooperate with Child Support Services and a personalized TANF Work Plan.
The application process is similar to SNAP: applying online at www.OKDHSLIVE.org or submit a hard-copy application form to local OKDHS Human Service Center.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need support on nutritious foods or breastfeeding, WIC is the program that help alleviate your financial burden during such specific periods.
WIC offers supplemental food packages to help participants maintain a nutritious diet, along with nutrition education classes and free consultation sessions with registered dietitian. Women who have recently given birth, infants and children that meet specific requirements are also eligible for the benefit.
To qualify for the program in Oklahoma, you must live in the state and meet the family income limits. If you are a recipient of Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you will be automatically eligible for WIC.
Bethel Foundation
Bethel Foundation is a NGO that provides free food, clothing, essential household goods, free or low cost summer programs for children and single-mom scholarships gifts for needy families in Oklahoma.
If you’re new to these programs, just provide a photo ID to register online. Then you may receive food or clothing. By providing more details of your family, including birth certificates or social security cards or each family member, proof of address and income, you will be fully registered and eligible for additional services.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
You don’t have to put up with adverse living conditions in order to save heating or cooling costs in Oklahoma. Eligible low income households may apply for the LIHEAP payment assistance to access uninterrupted services. Eligibility requirements for the subsidy include income, household size, available resources and responsibility for payment.
If you or one of your family members has a life threatening medical condition, you may apply for life-threatening Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) assistance year round. It is evaluated case by case based on required supporting documents such as a note from a licensed health care professional.
Winter heating applications has been closed at midnight Friday, January 12, 2024. While anticipated open enrollment dates for ECAP and summer cooling applications for 2024 are March 19 and June 18, 2024 respectively. An application button will be available on the webpage of OKDHSLive when enrollment is open.
Child Care Subsidy
Oklahoma offers child care subsidy through the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant, assisting parents who are working, attending school, or participating in job training by providing subsidy for licensed child care services.
The program primarily targets low-income families with children aged 13 or younger. To qualify for the subsidy, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria, including income limits and employment or education requirements.
The subsidy will be paid directly to the child care provider on your behalf. The amount is determined based on a combination of factors such as family size, income, and the number of children in care. Families with lower incomes typically receive a higher level of assistance.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP is a federal program that enables low income families to access affordable high-quality phone and internet connection. If your family income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or any family member participates in government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC, your family will be eligible families for the benefit.
The Lifeline Program
Similar as ACP, Lifeline provides discounted mobile service to low-income individuals and families. If your or your family income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you participate in government assistance programs like SSI, SNAP and Medicaid, you will qualify for the program.
FREE WIRELESS PLANS
If you qualify for the ACP or Lifeline, you can apply directly with providers such as EASY Wireless to receive their benefits. The EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan also include:
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Car Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
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Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
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